How Much Does Eculizumab Cost in China?

The price of eculizumab in China is relatively high, costing approximately ¥10,000 RMB per dose. This poses a significant financial burden for many patients suffering from neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Despite its high cost, eculizumab has demonstrated remarkable efficacy, significantly reducing relapse risk and improving patients' quality of life.

Eculizumab works by targeting complement protein C5 in the immune system. By blocking C5 from binding to other proteins, the drug inhibits immune system overactivation, thereby reducing inflammation and preventing further neurological damage. This mechanism allows for effective disease control in treated patients.

A study on eculizumab’s use in NMOSD found that the drug reduces relapse risk by 70%. Additionally, it helps alleviate symptoms, improve vision, and enhance overall quality of life. Beyond NMOSD, eculizumab is also used to treat related conditions such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), and myasthenia gravis (MG). For these diseases, eculizumab effectively suppresses excessive immune activation, reducing the risk of disease progression.

However, due to its high price, many patients cannot afford this treatment, creating a major challenge for those with these conditions. Therefore, measures should be taken to lower the cost of eculizumab, ensuring broader patient access to its benefits.

In summary, eculizumab is a highly effective treatment for NMOSD and related disorders, offering significant reductions in relapse rates and improved disease management. Yet, its prohibitive cost limits accessibility, highlighting the need for price reductions to help more patients benefit from this therapy.