——Patients suffering specific autoimmune diseases now eligible for drug reimbursement
HANGZHOU, March 12th, 2015 - Zhejiang Provincial Medical Insurance Service Center and Xian Janssen Pharmaceuticals today officially signed a service agreement to include Remicade? in the scope of major illnesses medical insurance program in Zhejiang Province. These four indications of Remicade?, namely Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Crohn's Disease and Psoriasis (commonly known as psora) are all covered in the major illnesses eligible for medical insurance reimbursement program.
Since January 1st, 2015, 15 drugs with definite therapeutic effects for major illnesses have been included in the scope of major illnesses medical insurance program in Zhejiang, therefore, burden of costs for these medicines are now shared by the government-managed medical insurance fund, pharmaceuticals and patient individuals. “Zhejiang Major Illnesses Policy” uniformly includes urban employees, urban (rural and urban) residents and participants of the new agricultural cooperation medical care into the scope of major illnesses medical insurance program, which achieves “the unity of three insurances”.
Remicade? is currently the only biologic product to enter the reimbursement program for the treatment of autoimmune diseases which are caused by body’s tissue damage due to inappropriate immune response, featuring complex mechanisms and different symptoms. Autoimmune diseases indications, included in the major illnesses medical insurance program in Zhejiang, has common ailments such as Rheumatoid Arthritis involving joints, spine or skin, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriasis, as well as relatively rare disease of Crohn's Disease affecting the digestive tract. Autoimmune diseases have a significant genetic predisposition, and are mostly chronic progressive diseases, which can seriously affect the patient’s ability to work and quality of life.
“The inclusion of Remicade? in the scope of Zhejiang Province’s major illness insurance program provides a better healthcare service for certain patients suffering from autoimmune diseases which is a great news for patients and their families. Xian Janssen Pharmaceuticals will support the national medical insurance program as always through close co-operations with relevant government authorities, and making unremitting endeavors to provide high-quality innovative drugs for patients,” said Ms. Wang Tongyan, Vice President of Xian Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
Ms. Zheng Lei, Vice President of Xian Janssen Pharmaceuticals, spoke highly of the new policy released by the Zhejiang provincial government: “This move of Zhejiang government will further improve the medical insurance system, and effectively elevate the level of healthcare services for the general public. We look forward to the success of Zhejiang’s major illnesses insurance program and hope that more patients suffering from major diseases or rare diseases will gain supports from healthcare programs across China in the future.”