How is baricitinib reimbursed by medical insurance?

The mechanism of action of baricitinib is by inhibiting theJanuskinase (JAK) signaling pathway. JAKKinases are a type of intracellular signaling protein that play an important role in immune cells. When the immune system is activated, cells release inflammatory mediators and cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin -23 (IL-23). After these cytokines bind to receptors, they activate JAK kinase and trigger intracellular signaling.

Baricitinib has been launched in China and is included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase it domestically. Due to different medical insurance reimbursement policies in different regions, the reimbursement ratio is also different. The price is about 1200~1600 yuan. For specific prices, please consult the local pharmacy or the medical insurance bureau. Baricitinib has both original and generic drugs abroad. The original drug is mainly Eli Lilly’s original drug, and its price is higher than in China. Generic drugs are mainly Bangladeshi generic drugs, and the price is around 450 yuan. The ingredients of original drugs and generic drugs are basically the same.

Baricitinib selectively inhibits the activity ofJAKkinases, specifically JAK1 and JAK2kinases. This selective inhibition can interfere with the regulation of inflammatory responses and immune cells, thereby reducing the production and release of inflammatory mediators, alleviating inflammatory responses, and improving symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Baricitinib is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic inflammatory joint disease that causes joint pain, swelling, and limited function. Baricitinib may reduce these symptoms, improve joint function, and reduce the progression of joint damage. In addition, baricitinib is also used to treat related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.