What is satelizumab (Anshiping)?

Satralizumab (Satralizumab) is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor and is approved for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in patients who are seropositive for aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQ P4-IgG). People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder are at risk for recurrent autoimmune attacks that primarily target the optic nerve and spinal cord but may also target other areas of the central nervous system; these attacks can lead to lifelong disability.

In the randomized, placebo-controlled Phase III SAkuraSky and SAkuraStar trials, subcutaneous injection of satelizumab as an add-on to immunosuppressive therapy or as monotherapy, respectively, significantly reduced the risk of relapse compared with patients with NMOSD AQ P4-IgG seropositive patients. Satelizumab was well tolerated; the most common adverse events were infection, headache, arthralgia, decreased white blood cell count, hyperlipidemia, and injection-related reactions. Satelizumab has the potential advantage of being administered subcutaneously and is the only targeted therapy approved for use in adolescent patients. Therefore, satelizumab is a valuable treatment option for patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

The original drug satlizumab has been launched in China, sold under the brand name Anshiping, and is included in medical insurance. Only patients who meet the indications can be reimbursed. The specification is120mg (1ml) per box The price may be more than RMB 10,000, which is still relatively expensive; the price of each box of the original drug Saterizumab sold overseas is more than $10,000 (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). The ingredients of the original drug sold domestically and abroad are basically the same. There are currently no generic versions of satlizumab available on the market.