Novartis Oncology and MxHealth Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Innovative Multi-Payer Healthcare Models

November 8,NovartisNovartis and MediTrust Health held a strategic cooperation signing ceremony at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The two parties will engage in deep collaboration through the integrated innovation of healthcare and insurance services, exploring diversified innovative payment solutions.

At this CIIE, Novartis showcased its robust product portfolio, R&D pipeline, advanced therapies, andInnovative HealthcareNovartis is committed to meeting China’s diverse healthcare needs and is expected to introduce multiple products or new indications to the Chinese market, including cardiovascular drugs and indication expansions, novel therapies for ophthalmic diseases, new drugs for central nervous system disorders and rare diseases, as well as several blockbuster anti-tumor agents for advanced non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and other conditions. Between 2020 and 2024, Novartis anticipates submitting 50 new drug applications in China. Novartis boasts a globally leading cell and gene therapy platform covering areas such as oncology, neurological disorders, and ophthalmic diseases, including the world’s first approved CAR-T therapy. To date, three of Novartis’ cell and gene therapies have received regulatory approval worldwide, with 12 additional cell and gene therapy projects currently under development globally.

While accelerating the approval of innovative drugs in China and deepening local collaborations, Novartis actively participates in national medical insurance negotiations, provides high-quality, affordable generic medicines to Chinese patients through its Sandoz division, and launches multiple patient assistance programs, continuously expanding access to medicines and benefiting more patients in China. Since 2017, 25 Novartis drugs and indications have been included in the National Reimbursement Drug List. Currently, more than 5 million Chinese patients benefit from Sandoz medicines annually. The number of patients benefiting from Novartis Oncology Patient Assistance Programs has approached 100,000.

Deng Yuexin, Head of Market Access and Key Accounts at Novartis Oncology (China), introduced at the conference that in 2020, Novartis Oncology partnered with MediTrust Health to launch the “Yilu Jieban” and “Fuhuo Xinsheng” medical financial assistance programs for patients with myelofibrosis and immune thrombocytopenia, respectively. By exploring multi-party cost-sharing mechanisms involving basic medical insurance, commercial insurance, enterprises, and patients, these initiatives aim to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and alleviate the long-term financial burden associated with high-cost oncology medications.

Meanwhile, Novartis Oncology has also explored government-led, commercially insured urban inclusive insurance schemes. Deng Yuexin stated that through this strategic partnership with MediTrust Health, the company aims to enhance Chinese patients’ access to Novartis’ innovative oncology medicines in an innovative and sustainable manner.

Dan Brindle, President of Novartis China, stated, “As a global pharmaceutical and healthcare company rooted in China, Novartis actively supports the policy priorities and objectives outlined by the Chinese government in its ‘Healthy China 2030’ strategy. We will continue to accelerate the introduction of innovative medicines and advanced therapies, drive innovation in digital health in China, deepen comprehensive collaboration with stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem, and actively improve access to medicines, thereby contributing to the realization of these goals.”

In recent years, MediTrust Health has integrated the pharmaceutical industry with insurance and financial services. To date, it has established partnerships with more than 20 domestic and international pharmaceutical companies, aiming to create an additional retail channel for specialized anti-cancer drugs. Currently, MediTrust Health’s services are available in over 400 cities across China, covering 90% of Direct-to-Patient (DTP) pharmacies. Its comprehensive drug benefit programs have benefited more than 600,000 patients, saving them over RMB 5 billion in annual medication costs and reducing overall medical expenditures by more than RMB 1 billion. Furthermore, MediTrust Health is focusing on customized urban-specific special drug insurance solutions, which have already been implemented in Suzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Dongguan, Yunfu, and multiple cities in Hunan Province, leveraging the support of its key shareholders.Shanghai PharmaceuticalsLeveraging the continuous medication supply capabilities and stable risk management expertise provided by China Re Life & Health Insurance, fully play the role of a “connector” to enhance local residents’ access to medications and alleviate their medical cost burden in a high-quality and efficient manner through model innovation.

Zhang Xiaodong stated, “In recent years, the speed at which innovative drugs enter China and gain market access has accelerated. While this brings new hope for survival to patients, it also imposes a significant financial burden. Starting from innovations in healthcare payment, MediTrust Health empowers commercial insurers, pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies, and patients, integrates online and offline retail channels, and establishes an integrated pharmacy benefit platform and ecosystem. By launching innovative payment solutions such as pharmacy benefits and pharmaceutical installment plans, MediTrust Health helps patients access cutting-edge medications and medical services more conveniently and at a lower cost.”