CAR T: HOPE FOR CANCER PATIENTS WORLDWIDE

Publication date: May 2024.

China's market for CAR T-cell therapies is set for substantial growth, predicted to increase from $72 million in 2022 to $342 million within a decade. The country now surpasses the U.S. with over 300 CAR T therapy clinical trials registered, focusing extensively on the CD19 target.

This surge is supported by heavy investments totaling $2.37 billion in 2021 and driven by collaborations between Chinese biotechs and international firms.

Despite this progress, the high cost of producing these therapies and the lack of adequate insurance coverage make access challenging for many patients, as most treatments are not covered by China’s National Reimbursement Drug List, requiring significant out-of-pocket expenses. These financial and logistical challenges continue to be significant barriers in the widespread adoption of these advanced treatments.

A partial list of hospitals in China which offer CAR-T therapy:

  • Pinnacle Medical Center in Beijing
  • Eastern Hope Hospital in Beijing
  • Blossom Oncology Center in Wuhan
  • Serenity Cancer Hospital in Shenzhen
  • Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital in Beijing

Compared to the US, where CAR-T therapies can cost around $400,000, the cost in China is significantly lower, ranging between $120,000 to $360,000 USD.

Sources: Bioworld
Medical Tourism magazine

Links
CAR-T cell therapy in Israel