01/07/2022 Biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors after conventional disease modifying antirheumatic drugs for treating rheumatoid arthritis
The Ministry of Health’s Drug Advisory Committee has recommended:
- Baricitinib 2 mg and 4 mg tablets for treating adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis;
- Tofacitinib 5 mg tablet for treating adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis; and
- Rituximab biosimilar (Truxima) 500 mg concentrate for infusion for treating adults with severely active rheumatoid arthritis
in line with their registered indications.
Subsidy status
RBaricitinib 2 mg and 4 mg tablets and tofacitinib 5 mg tablets are recommended for inclusion on the Medication Assistance Fund (MAF) for the abovementioned indication.
RBaricitinib and tofacitinib should be used in line with the clinical criteria in the MAF checklist for initial and continuing prescriptions for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
RRituximab biosimilar (Truxima) 500 mg concentrate for infusion is recommended for inclusion on the MOH Standard Drug List (SDL) for the abovementioned indication.
NRSDL subsidy and MAF assistance does not apply to any formulations or strengths of tocilizumab, rituximab reference biologic (MabThera) or other rituximab biosimilars (such as Rixathon).