Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy has recently emerged as a promising treatment for hematological malignancies. However, the high cost of these therapies poses a barrier to patient access. This study aims to assess the reimbursement status of US FDA-approved CAR-T therapies in Asia-Pacific countries.
METHODS: A targeted search was conducted to analyse reimbursement status of Abecma, Breyanzi, Carvykti, Kymriah, Tecartus, and Yescarta in 11 Asia-Pacific countries with established Health Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies: Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Official HTA websites, published HTA reports, press releases, and other relevant databases were searched. Data extraction focused on HTA decisions, target population, rationale for decision, and barriers to reimbursement.
RESULTS: Currently, Abecma is reimbursed in Australia and Japan for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Breyanzi has received reimbursement for the treatment of relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) and follicular lymphoma in Japan only. Carvykti and Tecartus are reimbursed in Australia for the treatment of RRMM and mantle cell lymphoma, respectively. Notably, Kymriah is reimbursed for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), in Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and partially subsidized in Singapore. Yescarta is reimbursed for relapsed/refractory LBCL in Australia, Japan, and partially subsidised in Singapore. At the time of this review, none of these CAR-T therapies were reimbursed in China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this review highlight notable disparities in the reimbursement status of CAR-T therapies across Asia-Pacific countries, with current funding limited to high-income nations. The lower rate of reimbursement of CAR-T therapies in middle/low-income countries across the Asia-Pacific region might be due to lack of funding, limited resources, and infrastructure challenges.