Eculizumab for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria: catastrophic health expenditure in Nepalese patients

Abstract

Abstract Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) results from a mutation in the phosphatidylinositol glycan class-A gene which causes uncontrolled complement activation with resultant intravascular hemolysis and its sequelae. Eculizumab is a terminal complement inhibitor that blocks this complement activation and has revolutionized the treatment of PNH but comes with an enormous price which can have catastrophic health expenditure in low-middle income countries (LMIC) like Nepal. Here, we discuss the potential way forwards in the treatment of PNH in Nepal and other LMICs.

Keywords

• Catastrophic health expenditure
• Eculizumab
• Low and middle-income countries
• Orphan drug
• Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
• Nepal