Venetoclax treatment must be classified to add extra options for less fortunate patients of CLL.

From the letter of Mike Cheung, director and trustee, Cypress Charitable Trust

Concerns are rising over Venetoclax treatment’s designation in the Hospital Authority Drug Formulary as a self-financed item not covered by the safety net.

Venetoclax treatment is utilized for treating blood malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, most patients relapse while on venetoclax treatment, and subsequent therapy options are restricted.

Venetoclax treatment has emerged as a key option for individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who may require numerous sessions of treatment. Venetoclax, either as a single drug or in combination, has been proven to dramatically enhance progression-free survival, potentially extending life.

Over-50-year-old adults are more likely to develop CLL, a slow and prevalent blood cancer. Venetoclax treatment has altered the landscape of medical care despite the fact that it is typically incurable. Venetoclax is now classified as a Class C drug, meaning that patients are responsible for covering the full cost of their own prescriptions at Hospital Authority pharmacies. This puts a heavy financial strain on patients and their families and can make it impossible for some patients to receive Venetoclax treatment.

As can be seen, there is not much of a public push to have this significant medicine reclassified. The Venetoclax pill should be reclassified by the Hospital Authority as a self-financed medication covered by the safety net after considering the scientific data. This would protect individuals who might have financial challenges and guarantee patients access to a crucial therapeutic choice.

Research backs up the advantages of Venetoclax treatment. This course of therapy may enhance patients’ quality of life and enable them to manage their condition more healthfully.

The Hospital Authority’s decision to reclassify Venetoclax will benefit not only patients and their families but also society as a whole due to decreased long-term healthcare expenses for patients and increased productivity.

Indeed, Venetoclax treatment will aid a lot of patients particularly those who are less fortunate if the said medical treatment will be subjected to classification.