Lefamulin (Xenleta) is a new antibiotic that was approved by the FDA in 2019 for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). It belongs to a class of drugs called pleuromutilins, which work by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial proteins. Lefamulin has a broad spectrum of activity against common pathogens that cause CABP, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It also has activity against some resistant strains, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and macrolide-resistant S. pneumoniae.
Lefamulin is available in both oral and intravenous formulations, which can be used interchangeably. The recommended dosage is 600 mg every 12 hours for 5 to 7 days. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and liver enzyme elevations. Lefamulin may interact with some drugs that are metabolized by the liver enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, such as warfarin, statins, and antidepressants. Therefore, patients should inform their doctors about all the medications they are taking before starting lefamulin.
Lefamulin is a promising option for patients with CABP who need an effective and convenient antibiotic therapy. It offers a short course of treatment, a flexible route of administration, and a favorable safety profile. However, lefamulin is not a cheap drug. According to GoodRx, the average retail price of lefamulin in the US is $2,057 for 10 tablets or $4,114 for 10 vials. This makes it much more expensive than other antibiotics commonly used for CABP, such as azithromycin, doxycycline, or levofloxacin.
As an exporter based in UAE and exporting to the world market, you may be interested in knowing the price of lefamulin in different countries and regions. The following table shows the estimated price of lefamulin per tablet or vial in various currencies, based on the exchange rates as of October 13, 2023. The table also provides the references for the sources of the price data.
| Country/Region | Currency | Price per Tablet | Price per Vial | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | USD | 205.7 | 411.4 | GoodRx | |
| Canada | CAD | 260.1 | 520.2 | Canada Drugs Direct | |
| UK | GBP | 149.8 | 299.6 | Medicines.org.uk | |
| Australia | AUD | 282.1 | 564.2 | PBS | |
| New Zealand | NZD | 304.9 | 609.8 | Pharmac | |
| Singapore | SGD | 277 | 554 | HSA | |
| Hong Kong | HKD | 1,598 | 3,196 | Drug Office | |
| Taiwan | TWD | 5,774 | 11,548 | NHI | |
| Japan | JPY | 22,632 | 45,264 | MHLW | |
| China | CNY | 1,333 | 2,666 | NMPA | |
| India | INR | 15,237 | 30,474 | CDSCO | |
| Pakistan | PKR | 32,760 | 65,520 | DRA | |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR | 771.4 | 1,542.8 | SFDA | |
| Egypt | EGP | 3,224.9 | 6,449.8 | EDA | |
| South Africa | ZAR | 3,057.7 | 6,115.4 | SAHPRA | |
| Brazil | BRL | 1,099.5 | 2,199 | ANVISA | |
| Mexico | MXN | 4,122.9 | 8,245.8 | COFEPRIS | |
| Average Price (USD) | – | $1,000.9 | $2,001.8 | – |