China has added two high-cost Alzheimer’s treatments—Japan’s Eisai lecanemab and the U.S.’ Eli Lilly donanemab—to its first official list of innovative drugs covered by commercial health insurance. The full course of treatment for these drugs can exceed CNY300,000 (USD42,434), but patients could now save up to 85 percent.
The National Healthcare Security Administration released the Commercial Health Insurance Innovative Drug List on Dec. 7. While exact patient cost-sharing is still being determined, experts expect individuals to pay between 15 percent and 50 percent of the total price.
Lecanemab costs over CNY200,000 (USD28,300) per year, and donanemab exceeds CNY300,000, according to Yu Jintai of Fudan University’s Huashan Hospital. With typical treatment lasting 18 months, total expenses can range from CNY300,000 to nearly CNY500,000 (USD70,740).
“Including these drugs in commercial insurance makes innovative therapies more accessible for early-stage patients, helping slow disease progression and improve quality of life,” said Chen Xiaochun of Fujian Medical University’s Union Hospital.
Donanemab is currently the only approved amyloid-targeting drug in China for early Alzheimer’s. Evidence suggests patients may stop treatment once amyloid plaques are cleared. As of this year, donanemab has been covered by medical insurance in 10 provinces and cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. However, limited coverage in megacities restricts access for many patients.
An industry insider noted that “commercial health insurance should complement national coverage to ensure breakthrough therapies are valued and accessible. This approach enables early-stage Alzheimer’s patients to receive innovative treatments affordably and in a timely manner, accelerating their real-world impact.”
Meanwhile, Chinese pharmaceutical companies, such as Simcere and Innocare Pharma, are developing Alzheimer’s therapies, though most candidates remain in early preclinical stages and may take years to reach full clinical trials.
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