A 50-year-old female patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and experienced complete remission of blood cancer, but then developed chronic rejection symptoms, dry skin all over the body, mouth ulcers making it difficult to eat, and dry eyes and other symptoms, resulting in a sharp decline in quality of life. Dr. Ye Shipeng, chairman of the Blood and Marrow Transplantation Society of the Republic of China, pointed out that chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a common complication.
Chairman Ye Shipeng pointed out that steroids are often administered in traditional first-line treatment, but long-term use can bring serious side effects such as moon face, osteoporosis, loss of blood sugar control, and decreased immunity. Although there are currently second-line drugs such as JAK inhibitors, the health insurance benefits are strict, mainly for lung rejection and must meet specific lung function decline indicators before applying.
In response to the burden faced by patients, Meiji Pharma Taiwan has partnered with PatientsForce, a patient support program service organization, to provide medication support services for patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). It is hoped that through public-private cooperation, the accessibility of medication for patients will be improved. Kentaro Misaku, General Manager of Meiji Pharmaceutical Taiwan, said, “Only by allowing patients to receive timely treatment and assisting the medical system to improve the quality of patient care can we truly realize the patient-centered concept.”
Respond to the limitations of treatment! Make up for the gap in payment and care in a timely manner
Faced with the limitations of existing treatment benefits, there is an urgent need for new mechanism drugs to solve the dilemma of ineffective steroid therapy or poor response to second-line treatment. Clinical studies have shown that in addition to pulmonary manifestations, improvements in related symptoms such as skin fibrosis and joint stiffness have also been observed, providing different possibilities for treatment options. Considering the widespread impact of cGVHD on patients’ organs throughout the body, it is expected that new drugs will be included in health insurance benefits in the future to benefit more patients.
This article is reprinted from “Introducing New Mechanism Drugs! Protect the road to transplant rebirth! Meiji Pharmaceutical joins hands with PatientsForce to reduce the medication burden of cGVHD patients” 2026-03-03 Health Medical Network/Reporter Huang Yining reports
