(Feb. 22, 2017) Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. announced that ZYTIGA® (Abiraterone Acetate Tablets), DACOGEN (Decitabine for Injection) and REMICADE® (Infliximab for Injection) have been included in the “Catalogue of Medical Insurance Special Drugs for Major Illnesses” (hereinafter referred to as the Catalogue).

According to the new regulation, which was implemented on December 1, 2016, the treatments will be reimbursed at 70% and the cumulative payment within one treatment year will not exceed 150,000 yuan.

The corresponding indications of these treatments - metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC), Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) - are also now covered in the medical insurance reimbursement list for major illnesses in Chengdu.

mCRPC and MDS are malignant tumors, posing a great threat to the health of the middle-aged and elderly people in China. AS and RA are highly disabling diseases, seriously affecting people’s employment options, psychology and overall quality of life.

The inclusion of these three Xian Janssen treatments on the Chengdu Medical Insurance Catalogue recognizes their efficacy and the clinical need for new treatments for these diseases, which place a heavy burden on those living with the conditions and their families.

Xian Janssen is committed to empowering people to make informed decisions about their health and is supporting a series of patient education programs following the reimbursement of these three treatments in Chengdu.

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About metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)
Known as the “silent killer”, prostate cancer is often not diagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage[1],  showing symptoms including blood in the urine, painful or difficult urination (dysuria) and bone pain. Men older than 60 are at greatest risk of developing prostate cancer[2].

In prostate cancer, male hormones can help fuel tumor growth. As such, advanced-stage prostate cancer is often treated with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). Though ADT is effective in treating most cases of prostate cancer, for almost all patients who receive it, ADT is only able to block the growth of tumors for a period of 18−24 months[3],  after which the cancer cells continue to progress. This condition is called Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Sometimes the cancer will progress beyond the prostate to other parts of the body such as the bones, converting to metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC). 

About Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is one of the most common malignant diseases of the hematological system, and is characterized by ineffective production of blood cells and platelets in the bone marrow (hematopoiesis), and a reduction  in the number of blood cells (cytopenias) in the blood the circulates the body (peripheral blood)[4].  

MDS primarily affects older people, with a median age range of onset between 65 and 70 years old[5].  According to some studies, people who identified as being in a higher risk category have a greater possibility of their MDS progressing into acute myeloid leukemia (AML).[5]For those in the very high risk category this is associated with a lower median survival of around 9 months.[5] People who have reduced red blood cells and hemoglobin (anemia), ruptured blood vessels (hemorrhage), infection and fatigue should visit hematologist for a cell morphology test.

About Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
AS is a systemic inflammatory disease which involves the spine, as well as peripheral joints such as the hip joint and extra-articular organs and tissues including the eyes, gastrointestinal tract or the skin. Unlike other forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases, the onset of AS most commonly occurs in younger people, between the ages of 20−30 years. 

There are approximately five million people living with AS in China and AS is more common in men, but it occurs in women as well[6].  Many young people with AS miss their best opportunity to receive treatment due to late diagnosis, which can cause stiffening and immobility in the spine (spinal ankyloses), exaggerated curvature of the spine (kyphosis), deformity, arrested development, loss of motor function, or even disability, severely affecting their employment opportunities, mental health and overall quality of life[7]. 

Experts emphasize the importance of early discovery and diagnosis for patients with AS, and strongly suggest that individuals under the age of 40 who experience back pain lasting more than 3 months, including lower or chronic back pain, morning stiffness, or pain at night, should be promptly assessed by a rheumatologist, so as to not delay treatment or affect their prognosis.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RA is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic erosive arthritis. Symptoms of joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis include symmetrical and persistent joint swelling and pain, often accompanied by morning stiffness. 

The prevalence rate of RA in China is between 0.2−0.4% of the population[8].  The incidence of RA is higher in women than in men, at a ratio of approximately 3:1. RA can occur in all age groups, but the peak age of onset is around 30−50 years.[9]  

As RA is one of the main causes of disability in working-age people in China[10],  it is critical for those with suspected RA to get diagnosed and receive treatment early.


Reference:
[1] Ma Chunguang, Ye Dingwei, Li Changlin et al. Epidemiology of prostate cancer from three centers and analysis of the first·line hormonal therapy for the advanced disease. Chin J Surg.June 2008, 46(12):921-925.
[2] Bao Pingping, Peng Peng. Estimates and prediction of prostate cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence in China. China J Epidemiol. October, 2012, Vol.33, No.10:1056-1059.
[3] 2016 Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. China J Surg, July 2016 Vol.54, No.7:481-484.
[4] Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome. Chin J Hematol. November 2014, Vol.35, No.11:1042-1048.
[5] Myelodysplastic Syndromes, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines)-Version2.2.2014
[6] Chinese Rheumatology Association. Treatment and Diagnosis Guideline for Ankylosing Spondylitis. China J Rheumatol. August 2010, Vol.14, No.8: 557-559.
[7] Kobelt G, et al. Costs and quality of life of patients with ankylosing spondylitis in Canada. J Rheumatol 33:289–95
[8] Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.chinacdc.cn/jlm/mxfcrxjbxx/201208/t20120810_66664.htm
[9] Chinese Rheumatology Association. Treatment and Diagnosis Guideline for Rheumatoid Arthritis. China J Rheumatol. August 2010, Vol.14, No.4: 265-270.
[10] Liu Xiaoping, Hou Xiujuan, Zhu Yuelan, Wang Huaxin. Discussion on the Etiology and Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Modern Chinese Clinical Medicine. January 2014, 21(1):19