Roche Korea has expanded the reimbursement criteria for Enspryng (satralizumab), its treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), allowing coverage after a single relapse instead of two. 

The change, which takes effect Friday, is expected to improve treatment access and outcomes for patients with the rare autoimmune condition.

NMOSD is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that primarily affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. Relapses can lead to permanent disability, making early intervention critical. 

Under the previous reimbursement policy, patients had to experience at least two relapses within two years while on another therapy such as rituximab. Now, a single relapse within one year is sufficient, provided the patient is AQP4 antibody-positive and has an EDSS score of 6.5 or below, indicating moderate disability but preserved mobility.

Enspryng, a subcutaneous injection given once every four weeks, is the only NMOSD maintenance therapy of its kind available in Korea. It works by selectively targeting the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, a key driver of disease activity.

“With this expanded reimbursement, patients who relapse even once during treatment will no longer face delays, allowing them faster access to Enspryng and ultimately better outcomes and quality of life,” said Roche Korea General Manager Ezat Azem.

The reimbursement change comes nearly 18 months after Enspryng was first listed for third-line use in December 2023. In Korea, the drug was approved in April 2021 and is now positioned to be used earlier in the treatment sequence.

The therapy is approved in over 90 countries, including the U.S., Japan, and EU, where it is often used as a first-line treatment.