The China Population Welfare Foundation, in partnership with Lilly (NYSE: LLY) China, unveiled this week the “Tuohu Chang’an” Patient Assistance Program, designed to address financial barriers and improve access to innovative therapies for adults with moderate to severe active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The program will provide eligible patients with access to Omvoh (mirikizumab) and its subcutaneous formulation, with a scheduled launch in June 2026.
Program Overview
Parameter
Detail
Initiative
“Tuohu Chang’an” Patient Assistance Program
Lead Organization
China Population Welfare Foundation
Corporate Partner
Lilly China
Target Population
Adults with moderate to severe active IBD
Therapies Provided
Omvoh (mirikizumab) and Omvoh subcutaneous formulation
Launch Date
June 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Medical and financial requirements
Disease Burden & Market Context
IBD Epidemiology in China
Condition
Prevalence Rate
Comparative Analysis
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
17.24 per 100,000 people
~5x higher than Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s Disease (CD)
3.39 per 100,000 people
Growing at accelerated rate
Trend
Significant increase over past two decades
Emerging as major gastroenterology concern
Treatment Access Challenges
Financial Barriers: High out-of-pocket costs limit access to precision targeted therapies despite clinical availability
Treatment Delays: Patients experience significant delays in accessing innovative treatment options due to economic constraints
Healthcare Disparities: Geographic and socioeconomic factors create uneven access to specialized IBD care
Unmet Need: Despite advancement to precision medicine era, substantial patient population remains underserved
Therapeutic Profile – Omvoh (mirikizumab)
Mechanism of Action: Monoclonal antibody targeting IL-23 pathway
Formulations: Intravenous and subcutaneous delivery options
Indications: Moderate to severe active IBD (UC and CD)
Clinical Differentiation: Precision targeted therapy with demonstrated efficacy in refractory IBD populations
Access Strategy: Patient assistance program bridges gap between regulatory approval and real-world accessibility
Strategic Impact & Healthcare Implications
Aspect
Analysis
Public Health Impact
Addresses growing burden of chronic IBD in Chinese population
Healthcare Equity
Reduces financial barriers for economically disadvantaged patients
Quality of Life
Enables consistent access to effective therapies, improving long-term outcomes
Healthcare System Efficiency
Prevents costly complications and hospitalizations through improved disease control
Innovation Adoption
Accelerates uptake of precision medicine approaches in real-world settings
Program Implementation Framework
Patient Identification: Collaboration with gastroenterology centers nationwide for patient screening and referral
Eligibility Verification: Dual assessment of medical necessity and financial need
Distribution Network: Integrated supply chain ensuring reliable medication access across geographic regions
Monitoring & Evaluation: Outcomes tracking to measure program effectiveness and patient benefit
Sustainability Model: Public-private partnership structure ensures long-term program viability
Forward‑Looking Statements This brief contains forward-looking statements regarding the “Tuohu Chang’an” Patient Assistance Program, including implementation timelines, patient access objectives, and therapeutic outcomes. Actual results may differ materially due to risks including regulatory requirements, patient enrollment rates, funding availability, and healthcare policy changes.-Fineline Info & Tech
By Fineline Cube