With RET-targeted anticancer drugs failing to receive reimbursement, patients are now left to wait indefinitely for coverage of their drugs.

Lilly Korea's RET inhibitor Retevmo (selpercatinib) failed to be listed for reimbursement last month due to the final breakdown in drug price negotiations with the National Health Insurance Service. This drug was the first treatment option for patients with RET gene mutated non-small cell lung cancer and thyroid cancer and was the only drug that continued on evaluations for reimbursement in Korea.

Only two RET-targeted therapies – Retevmo and Gavreto – are currently approved in Korea. In the case of Gavreto, the Health Insurance Review a