Qilu Pharma of Jinan has launched its biosimilar version of AstraZeneca’s Iressa in China. The biosimilar, a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer that tests positive for the EGRF-TK mutation, will reduce the cost of treating the disease from $1018 to $219 per month. The CFDA approved Qilu’s biosimilar, known as Yiruike, in April 2016. Privately owned Qilu produces a portfolio of 160 generic drugs and 100 APIs in several disease areas; oncology is a major focus for the company.
