Blincyto Gains Expanded Reimbursement in Korea for B-ALL Consolidation Therapy

Amgen's Blincyto has won expanded reimbursement for B-ALL consolidation therapy in Korea. The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) issued a notice that will cover patients aged 1 year or older at diagnosis with Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-negative), CD19-positive B-cell precursor ALL who achieve remission after induction therapy and test negative for measurable residual disease (MRD).

Coverage will apply to up to four cycles in adults, while pediatric patients younger than 18 at diagnosis will be eligible for up to two cycles. This decision comes as consolidation therapy is critical to reducing the risk of relapse in ALL patients.

The expansion of treatment access for Korean patients at the consolidation stage is highly meaningful, said Shin Su-hee, general manager of Amgen Korea. Consolidation therapy is critical to strengthening remission in ALL patients and improving long-term treatment outcomes.