What is the reimbursement rate for bedaquiline by medical insurance? How much does the patient pay out of pocket?

Bedaquiline (Bedaquiline) is the first drug developed to treat tuberculosis in more than 40 years. It provides a unique antimycobacterial mechanism of action by inhibiting the proton pump mycobacterial triphosphate synthase, which is responsible for the production of adenosine triphosphate in bacteria, subsequently leading to bacterial cell death.

Bedaquiline undergoes oxidative metabolism via the cytochrome (CY) P450 pathway, specifically via the isoenzyme CYP3A4, which makes it susceptible to various drug interactions. The half-life of bedaquiline and its major metabolite, M2, is approximately five and a half months because both components are slowly released from peripheral tissues. In clinical studies of bedaquiline, common adverse reactions include nausea, arthralgia, headache, hemoptysis, chest pain, anorexia, elevated transaminases, rash, and elevated blood amylase.

The drug is marketed and sold in China under the name of daquiline fumarate tablets and has been included in the scope of medical insurance. Reimbursement is limited to patients with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Patients who do not meet the conditions can only purchase the drug in full at their own expense. The price of a common specification of 100mg*24 tablets per box may be around 10,000 yuan, which is relatively expensive. Patients should consult their local medical insurance department or hospital before using bedaquiline.

The price of the Russian version of bedaquiline sold overseas may be around RMB 15,000 per box of 100mg*188 tablets (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). The pharmaceutical ingredients of bedaquiline sold domestically and abroad are basically the same. Currently, there are no generic bedaquiline drugs produced and marketed overseas. For specific prices and drug information of overseas drugs, please consult Yaode Medical Consultant.