After the favorable opinion of the American health authorities delivered in summer 2022, and that of the European Medicines Agency, Opzelura (ruxolitinib, Incyte Biosciences laboratory), a drug intended to combat vitiligo, has been available in pharmacies since July 27, 2024.
Opzelura tube reimbursed up to 65% by Social Security
You can also find out more about Unbelievable order signed on July 18 then published in the Official Journal adds this cream to the list of pharmaceutical specialties reimbursable to social security beneficiaries. In this way, Opzelura becomes available in pharmacies. According to the website of French Vitiligo Association, 65% of the price is covered by Social Security. Vitiligo patients with mutual insurance should normally have this remaining cost fully covered by their mutual insurance, as for other prescribed medications." explains the association.
Fortunately. In fact, the price of the 100g tube has been set at 838.39 euros. Some people wonder about the fixed price, which they consider high, or even too high. But this is often without taking into account, or with poor knowledge of, the investments required in the development and elaboration of new molecules, the costs relating to clinical research upstream of the availability, or even the monitoring throughout the life of a drug.", tempers the association.
How does Opzelura work?
Opzelura is therefore a cream that is applied to depigmented lesions. Its specific mechanism of action allows melanin, the natural pigment of the epidermis, to be reproduced and the skin to be recolored after at least 6 months of treatment on most lesions.
This is the first so-called anti-JAK treatment. Why such a name? Because its mechanism of action consists of blocking several enzymes known as Janus Kinases (JAK 1, 2) involved in the activity of a substance called interferon gamma (IFN-Gamma) which participates in the destruction of melanocytes. However, vitiligo is caused by the loss of melanocytes. Blocking the anti-JAK treatment therefore reduces the ability of the immune system to attack melanocytes and helps to increase the production of the natural pigment.
What are the conditions for accessing Opzelura?
This cream must first be prescribed by a dermatologist during a consultation. Specifically, Opzelura has a marketing authorization for the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo with facial involvement.. It can be prescribed to adults and adolescents over 12 years old. It should not be applied to more than 10% of the body, via an application twice a day (morning and evening).
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