Current progress in the management of rare diseases and orphan drugs in China

Abstract

Currently, the issues of how to treat rare diseases and to improve accessibility to orphan drugs are arousing more and more concerns in China. Here we describe the push and pull incentive policies for rare diseases and orphan drugs and analyze the coverage and reimbursement level of rare diseases in the current Chinese medical insurance system. Three key obstacle factors that hinder Chinese patients' accessibility to timely drug treatment are summarized. Based on a comprehensive analysis, the measures of orphan drugs legislation, incentive mechanism, supply mechanism, and reimbursement mechanism are urgently expected to be established with the purpose of improving healthcare for patients with rare diseases in China.