Zerbaxa on the verge of entering insurance benefits in 5 yrs

Only the NHIS' conclusion of drug price negotiations and the health policy review committee procedure remain

Benefits of registration by expanding the scope of PE exemption

The next-generation antibiotic Zerbaxa is finally registered as insurance benefits.

 

It is the first time in five years that a domestic permit has been granted.

 

According to related industries, MSD recently concluded a drug price negotiation with the NHIS for the antibiotic Zerbaxa.

 

Due to the improvement of the system, it is possible to step on the PE track.

 

The drug was approved in Korea in April 2017, but the prevailing view was that it was difficult to register under the system at the time.

 

This is because it is not easy to prove cost effectiveness compared to the existing Old Drug, and it is difficult to prove clinical superiority due to the nature of the drug.

 

Zerbaxa submitted an application for registration in the second half of 2018 and went through the procedure, but failed to pass the HIRA's committee in 2019.

 

Zerbaxa has seen hope as the government has implemented an improvement plan to include essential drugs such as antibiotics in PE targets as a way to expand coverage.

 

Zerbaxa passed the Drug Evaluation Committee in June this year and concluded the drug price negotiations, leaving only the passage of the Health Insurance Policy Review Committee until its listing.

 

New Cephalosporin antibiotics Ceftolozane and Zerbaxa, a beta-lactamase inhibitor Tazobactam complex, which have an antipseudomonas aeruginosa effect, can be used in adult patients with complexity urinary tract infections and Metronidazole combination therapy.

 

It is meaningful that it is the first alternative option at a time when the three major super bacteria in urgent need of securing treatments are Cabapenem-resistant fungi, Cabapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria, Cabapenem-resistant and third-generation Cephalosporin-resistant intestinal bacteria.