The family of a patient with stage 4 lung cancer recently launched a petition on the National Assembly's platform, pleading for the swift approval of the new drug Rybrevant (amivantamab) to extend their loved one's life.

The petition, titled “Request for Reimbursement of Rybrevant,” was posted on the National Assembly's Public Petition Platform on Aug. 6 and has garnered 22,680 signatures as of Monday. Rybrevant is a therapeutic agent that targets a rare mutation in lung cancer known as the “EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation (Exon20).”

The petitioner, identified only by his surname Koh, said, "My father was diagnosed with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation (Exon20) and currently requires Rybrevant, the only effective targeted therapy available. However, this drug is currently classified as non-covered under the national health insurance system, resulting in annual medication costs exceeding 150 million won ($108,300), highlighting the challenging treatment circumstances.

In Korea, lung cancer patients requiring Rybrevant must pay approximately 7 million won to 8 million won per treatment, depending on their physical condition. During the first month alone, four treatments are required, resulting in a medication cost of approximately 30 million won.

For this reason, many patients are forced to abandon Rybrevant treatment. “In reality, numerous lung cancer patients with exon 20 mutations are aware of the efficacy of Rybrevant but are unable to begin treatment or must discontinue it due to the financial burden, leaving them with no choice but to face death,” Mr. Koh said.

Even though there is a drug that can save lives, the reality that patients must give up treatment due to financial constraints because the only suitable drug based on genetic testing results is Rybrevant is too harsh, the petitioner pointed out.

“We earnestly request that the government swiftly review Rybrevant for inclusion in the national health insurance coverage and expedite the emergency approval process for coverage as soon as possible,” he stressed.

The petitioner continued, “Please give patients desperately in need of Rybrevant the opportunity to continue living.” He urged society to pay attention to the treatment environment for patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, just as the treatment environment for patients with EGFR exon 19 and 21 mutations has changed with the coverage of Tagrisso and Leclaza.