Chile’s Ministry of Health (MINSAL) has announced an immediate expansion in the coverage under its Financial Protection System for High-Cost Diagnosis and Treatments for AbbVie’s (NYSE: ABBV) respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis, Synagis (palivizumab). The biologic drug is now provided free of charge to families of infants weighing under 2.5 kg at birth or born at 34 weeks and 6 days of gestation, easing the previous criteria of less than 1.5 kg weight or 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Responding to an Early and Severe RSV Outbreak
This decision comes in response to an unexpectedly early and severe RSV outbreak in Chile, which has led to an increase in the number of hospital beds dedicated to pediatric patients with RSV. The outbreak highlights the increased demand for AbbVie’s product in the country.
Synagis’ Inclusion in MINSAL’s High-Cost Drug Financing Scheme
According to Fineline Info & Tech analysis, AstraZeneca (AZ; NASDAQ: AZN), the marketing authorization holder (MAH), in-licensed Synagis for the Chilean market. The passive immunization has been part of MINSAL’s high-cost drug financing scheme since 2015, making it accessible to a broader segment of the population at risk.-Fineline Info & Tech
