Patient access to novel non-insulin treatments is sub-optimal in China

With respect to the treatment of type 2 diabetes in China, patient access to premium-priced agents is impeded as not all patients can afford these drugs, according to new research findings.

The National Reimbursement Drug List was last updated in 2009, and several antidiabetic drug classes (eg, DPP-IV inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonist) are not covered as they were only approved for use in China after 2009, notes a new report from Decision Resources Group.

The DPP-IV inhibitor Januvia (sitagliptin, from Merck & Co) and the GLP-1 receptor agonist Byetta (exenatide, from AstraZeneca) are the only drugs in their respective drug classes to be included in the Provincial Reimbursement Drug Lists (which was last updated in 2010), but coverage for these agents is very limited. Up to 43% of surveyed physicians indicate the lack of reimbursement for these drug classes is a major factor that limits their prescription. The high cost of GLP-1 receptor agonists would account for more than 50 percent of the average disposable income of urban residents, should they pay for these therapies out-of-pocket.

Other key findings from the Emerging Markets Physician & Payer Forum report, titled The Market Access Environment for Type 2 Diabetes in China: Physician and Payer Insights on Current and Emerging Noninsulin Antidiabetic Agents, include: