Trabectedin, with the English name "trabectedin" and other aliases such as "YONDELIS" and "tabilastine", is developed by Johnson & Johnson (U.S.). It has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. Currently, trabectedin has not been launched in China and is not included in China’s medical insurance system, so patients need to purchase it at their own expense. Then, what is the price of trabectedin?

What Is the Price of Trabectedin?

The price of trabectedin varies depending on its specification, place of origin, and sales channel.

Overview of Market Prices

Taking the original research drug version from Turkey as an example, a box of trabectedin with a specification of 1mg is approximately USD 1,354. This price is for reference only; the actual purchase price may fluctuate due to factors such as regional differences, pharmacy pricing, and promotional activities. Patients can choose to purchase according to their own needs.

Factors Affecting the Price

The price of trabectedin is affected by multiple factors, including production costs, R&D investment, market demand, and policies/regulations. As an innovative drug, it has high R&D costs and a complex production process—these factors collectively contribute to its high market price. Changes in market demand and adjustments to policies/regulations may also have an impact on its price.

Drug Interactions of Trabectedin

Trabectedin is a prescription drug, and its interactions with other drugs are issues that patients must pay attention to during use.

Interaction with Cytochrome CYP3A Inhibitors

When trabectedin is administered in combination with strong CYP3A inhibitors, the systemic exposure of trabectedin will increase, which may raise the risk of adverse reactions. Patients taking trabectedin should avoid concurrent use of strong CYP3A inhibitors. If concurrent use is unavoidable, the medication regimen should be adjusted under the guidance of a doctor.

Interaction with Cytochrome CYP3A Inducers

When trabectedin is used in combination with strong CYP3A inducers, its systemic exposure will decrease, which may lead to reduced efficacy. Patients taking trabectedin should also avoid concurrent use of strong CYP3A inducers.

Pharmacological Effects of Trabectedin

The significant efficacy of trabectedin in sarcoma treatment is attributed to its unique pharmacological effects.

Mechanism of Action

The main mechanism of action of trabectedin is to bind to and act on guanine residues in the minor groove of DNA, thereby interfering with the processes of DNA replication and repair, and inhibiting the growth and division of tumor cells. This mechanism enables trabectedin to exert a significant killing effect on various sarcoma cells.

Indications and Efficacy

Trabectedin is mainly used for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma or leiomyosarcoma in patients who have previously received anthracycline-based therapy. Clinical trial results show that trabectedin can significantly prolong patients’ survival time and improve their quality of life. Its adverse reactions are relatively controllable, and most patients can tolerate them.

During use, patients still need to pay attention to price changes, avoid drug interactions, and understand the pharmacological effects to ensure safe and rational medication.