New colorectal cancer drug added to Drug Formulary

A new drug for metastatic colorectal cancer, researched and developed by HUTCHMED, has been approved for inclusion in the drug formulary starting this month.

The approved medicine, fruquintinib, was processed through the "1+" mechanism, marking it as the first general drug to be registered under this mechanism. Starting mid-October, all eligible patients in government hospitals will receive full coverage for fruquintinib, with only the Hospital Authority fares required as payment.

The inclusion process under the "1+" mechanism was notably swift, taking just 11 months from the application submission to its classification as a "general drug."

Fruquintinib is intended for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, offering new hope to patients in terminal stages. Previously, it could take nearly two years for new drugs to be incorporated into the HA safety net, with only a limited number of patients eligible for subsidized access.

The direct entry of colon cancer medications like fruquintinib into the drug formulary is a significant advancement, not only providing critical medical options but also substantially alleviating the financial burden on patients.

Currently, two drugs for treating colorectal cancer have been included in the drug formulary through the "1+" mechanism. Approximately 300 patients are expected to benefit annually, involving HK$12 million in subsidized drug expenses.