Is Isatuximab included in medical insurance when it is launched in China?

Isatuximab is a new monoclonal antibody drug mainly used to treat patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The drug has been officially launched in China, providing a new treatment option for patients who need this type of targeted therapy. However, at present, isatuximab has just passed the relevant medical insurance regulations in China and been included in the national medical insurance, so patients may need to bear all the costs when using it.

In terms of price, the domestic listing price of isatuximab is approximately more than 12,000 yuan per box, which is relatively high. Since it has just been included in medical insurance recently (January 2026), patients will bear a heavy burden during long-term treatment and need to make financial plans in advance to ensure the continuity of treatment and the integrity of the course of treatment.

In overseas markets, the price of the generic drug isatuximab is even higher, about more than US$3,000 per box. Overseas drug channels are relatively standardized, but transportation, customs clearance and storage requirements are strict. If patients choose to purchase drugs overseas, they need to go through legal and formal channels to ensure drug quality and safety. Currently, there are no related generic drugs of isatuximab globally, and patients cannot obtain the drug through low-price alternatives.

Generally speaking, isatuximab is already on the market in China and has been included in medical insurance, and the price is relatively high. Patients should fully understand the price and financial burden of drugs before use, and purchase them through regular hospitals or pharmacies to ensure that the source of drugs is safe and reliable. If the policy is adjusted in the future, it may reduce patients' out-of-pocket burden and improve treatment accessibility.

Reference: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-isatuximab-irfc-multiple-myeloma