Singaporean government has introduced a subsidy program to make cell, tissue, and gene therapy products (CTGTP) more accessible to patients. Beginning with a treatment for blood cancer, the program offers subsidies covering up to 75% of the cost for eligible Singaporean citizens, capped at $150,000.
This initiative, effective from August 1, 2024, is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to ensure that innovative medical treatments are within reach for those who need them most. Permanent residents are also eligible for up to 22.5% in subsidies, capped at $45,000, based on household income.
CTGTPs represent a new frontier in medicine, leveraging human or animal cells, tissues, or synthetic genetic material to treat or prevent diseases. These therapies offer hope to patients who have not responded to conventional treatments, particularly for aggressive conditions like leukemia and lymphoma.
Currently, the subsidy program includes tisagenlecleucel, commercially known as Kymriah. This chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy is specifically designed for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Without subsidies, Kymriah's cost can reach up to US$475,000 (S$637,000).
The MOH highlighted that the list of subsidized therapies will expand over time, with additions based on clinical need, cost-effectiveness, and budget considerations. "We aim to balance patient affordability with sustainable healthcare financing," an MOH spokesperson stated, adding that this approach also enables better price negotiations with manufacturers, ultimately benefiting patients.
Healthcare experts have praised the initiative, with Associate Professor Wee Hwee Lin from the National University of Singapore’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health noting the importance of subsidy caps in maintaining long-term affordability. "The cap should encourage manufacturers to price treatments more reasonably," she said.
The inclusion of CTGTPs in the national health insurance scheme, MediShield Life, is also under review by an 11-member expert panel. Expanding the coverage to include these therapies could further alleviate the financial burden on patients.
Dr. Francesca Lim, head of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Cell Therapy Centre, suggested that attracting more pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials in Singapore would also enhance access to these innovative treatments. "Expanding clinical trials here could provide more patients with the opportunity to benefit from cutting-edge therapies," she said.
As Singapore continues to position itself as a leader in advanced medical treatments, the new subsidy program marks a significant step in ensuring that all citizens can benefit from the latest breakthroughs in healthcare.
