6 billion
RMB average annual treatment cost in China
500 thousand
β-thalassemia major patients worldwide
β-thalassemia is a blood disorder caused by an inherited genetic defect that affects the production of hemoglobin, specifically the synthesis of globin chains. Currently, there are two treatment options available for β-thalassemia.
The first option is blood transfusion therapy, which involves regular blood transfusions and iron removal therapy throughout the patient's life. While this option helps manage the symptoms, it does not provide a cure for the disease and is associated with various serious complications. The average annual cost for this treatment ranges from 80,000 RMB to 100,000 RMB for adults. The second treatment option is transplantation therapy, specifically hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or cord blood transplantation. This method offers the potential for a cure, but finding a compatible donor can be challenging, limiting the number of patients who can undergo transplantation. Additionally, there is a risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), and patients would need to take immunosuppressant drugs for the rest of their lives. The average cost for transplantation therapy is approximately 400,000 RMB.
It is important to consider these treatment options in consultation with healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable approach for managing β-thalassemia.