Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) launches subsidies for costly cell, tissue, and gene therapies, offering patients new hope for life-saving treatments like CAR T-cell therapy.
From 1 August, Singaporeans who need certain advanced therapies for conditions like blood cancers can receive subsidies. Eligible citizens may have up to 75% of treatment costs covered, with caps depending on household income. This initiative aims to make these treatments more affordable for patients.
Subsidised Therapies Include Cutting-Edge Cell and Gene Treatments
Cell, tissue, and gene therapy products (CTGTPs) use human or animal cells, tissues, or engineered genetic material to treat serious conditions. These therapies directly diagnose, treat, or prevent illnesses such as cancers and genetic disorders. Singapore subsidises tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah), the first therapy approved under this scheme. This CAR T-cell therapy alters a patient’s T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Doctors use Kymriah for relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, providing a new option for patients who do not respond to standard treatments.
Watch: Singapore’s ACTRIS Launches New Cell Therapy Facility | Medical Channel Asia
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