Japan To Reimburse Zolgensma – But At Lower Price Than US

NHI Scheme Grants Coverage

Novartis gene therapy gets insurance coverage at record price although small patient population will limit system costs.

Gene therapy
Gene Therapy Zolgensma Sets Price Record In Japan • Source: Shutterstock

Japan’s regulatory authorities have decided to grant reimbursement to Novartis AG/AveXis Inc.’s gene therapy Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) under the national health insurance scheme, marking a watershed in drug pricing in the country, although the annualized cost will be less than many other big-selling products.

The decision also suggests a continued willingness in Japan to support novel therapies and gene therapies in particular, following the reimbursement of the first such product last year. 

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