Eisai and China Primary Health Care Foundation Launch 'Hai Yun Xin Sheng' Patient Assistance Program for Metastatic Breast Cancer

BEIJING, Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Breast cancer has become the most prevalent malignant tumor among Chinese women, with nearly 300,000 new cases diagnosed annually in China. Of these, 30%-40% of patients progress to the advanced stage.^[1]. The fundamental goal of treating advanced breast cancer is to prolong patient survival while improving quality of life. Halaven, the next-generation chemotherapy drug originally developed by Eisai^®(Generic name: Eribulin mesylate) has been launched in China, bringing new treatment options and hope to patients with advanced breast cancer in the country.

To improve access to innovative medicines for more patients with advanced breast cancer, Eisai has reached an agreement with the China Primary Health Care Foundation to launch the “Haiyun Xinsheng – Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Program” nationwide. This program will provide medication assistance to patients who meet the approved indications for eribulin in China. As an innovative chemotherapeutic agent, eribulin inhibits microtubule dynamics and exerts unique effects on the tumor microenvironment. This dual mechanism significantly extends survival in patients with advanced breast cancer. Eribulin demonstrates a favorable safety profile and improves patients’ quality of life.

Ms. Hu Ningning, Vice Chairperson of the China Primary Health Care Foundation, emphasized that the Foundation has always upheld “social equity” as its core value, embraced the principle that “health is a fundamental human right,” and pursued the goal of “health for all.” Regarding this aid initiative, the Foundation’s project team will make every effort to collaborate with Eisai, participating hospitals, pharmacies, and other partners to deliver tangible benefits to patients with low-income or subsistence allowances who meet the indicated criteria.

Ms. Feng Yanhui, Senior Vice President of Eisai globally and President of Eisai China, stated that Eisai has always adhered to hhc(Human Health Care) Upholding the corporate philosophy of “caring for human health,” we are fully committed to fulfilling our corporate social responsibility. In January 2019, the “Wei Ai Xu Hang – Liver Cancer Patient Assistance Program” was successfully launched, providing aid to tens of thousands of liver cancer patients. In September 2020, the “Hai Yun Xin Sheng – Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Program” was officially initiated, aiming to benefit more patients with advanced breast cancer and bring hope to those in China living with this condition.

In accordance with the project requirements, the beneficiaries are patients with low-income or subsistence allowance status who meet the indications approved in China for Eribulin Mesylate Injection. Urban residents receiving subsistence allowances or rural residents under extreme poverty relief who have been recognized by the district/county-level Civil Affairs Bureau and have received subsistence allowances for at least one year, and who are diagnosed with breast cancer, are eligible for full assistance covering 8 treatment cycles. For eligible low-income patients, after self-paying for the first 3 treatment cycles, they can receive assistance for the next 3 cycles; for subsequent applications, after self-paying for 2 additional cycles, they can receive assistance for another 2 cycles (this process can be applied for cyclically).

The Foundation’s Project Office has opened the appointment and review channel for the “Haiyun Xinsheng – Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Program.” Patients may prepare their financial documentation in advance, download the required forms via the WeChat official account (search: Haiyun Xinsheng), and submit them online. Hospitals and pharmacies participating in the program are currently in the process of signing agreements. Formal patient enrollment reviews are expected to commence in October 2020. For further details, please visit the program’s official website, follow the WeChat official account “Haiyun Xinsheng,” or contact the program assistance hotline.

Eisai has identified oncology as one of its key growth areas, dedicating itself to the research and development of revolutionary new medicines with the potential to cure cancer. Building on cutting-edge cancer research, Eisai continues to drive pharmaceutical innovation, striving to meet the diverse needs of cancer patients, their families, and healthcare professionals, thereby enhancing their well-being.

Note [1]: Data source: Chinese Expert Consensus on Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer (2018 Edition)