Lilly's Breast Cancer Drug Verzenio® (Abemaciclib) Launches Nationwide Supply in China with Concurrent Charity Assistance Program

On April 20, Eli Lilly and Company announced that its CDK4/6 inhibitor Verzenio® (abemaciclib tablets), following approval by the National Medical Products Administration at the end of last year, officially commenced nationwide distribution in China starting April 19, 2021. The first prescriptions will be issued sequentially in multiple regions, providing new treatment options for patients with advanced breast cancer in China. Meanwhile, to effectively alleviate the financial burden of medication for patients with advanced breast cancer, the “Ru Ai You Li” charitable assistance program, initiated by the China Women’s Development Foundation and supported by Eli Lilly and Company, was officially launched in Beijing. The program aims to ensure timely access to treatment for more patients, bringing hope and vitality to their lives.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor in terms of incidence and mortality among women worldwide. Advanced breast cancer poses a severe threat to patients' lives, with a 5-year survival rate of only approximately 20% and a median overall survival of just 2–3 years. Among the various subtypes of advanced breast cancer, hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer is the most common, accounting for approximately 60% of cases. However, the complexity of the disease presents significant challenges in the treatment of HR+, HER2- advanced breast cancer, underscoring an urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches.

Verzenio® (abemaciclib tablets) is a highly selective CDK4 & 6 inhibitor that was approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) on December 29, 2020, for the treatment of hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer:

(1) Used in combination with aromatase inhibitors as initial endocrine therapy for postmenopausal female patients.

(2) In combination with fulvestrant for patients who have experienced disease progression following prior endocrine therapy.

“Benefiting Patients” to Enhance Drug Accessibility: “Ru Ai You Li” Charitable Assistance Program Officially Launched

The “Ru Ai You Li” Charitable Assistance Program, initiated by the China Women's Development Foundation and supported by Eli Lilly and Company, aims to alleviate the financial burden on more patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer, improve treatment accessibility, and thereby enhance patients’ quality of life. The program provides medication assistance to eligible patients, with abemaciclib tablets donated free of charge by Eli Lilly and Company to the China Women's Development Foundation.

Responsible Editor: Liuli

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