Reblozyl included in the National Health System (GeSY) for thalassemia patients

The National Thalassemia and Other Hemoglobinopathies Committee (EETHLA) announced the inclusion of the drug Reblozyl (luspatercept) in Cyprus's National Health System (GeSY). The medication is indicated for adult patients with transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia who meet specific clinical criteria. EETHLA clarified that Reblozyl is not a curative treatment and does not replace the necessity for ongoing medical monitoring, blood transfusions, or iron chelation therapy. The drug acts as an erythroid maturation agent, assisting the body in producing functional red blood cells. Clinical benefits include potentially extending the intervals between blood transfusions and reducing systemic iron overload, thereby mitigating long-term disease complications. EETHLA President Dr. Androulla Eleftheriou acknowledged the decision as a positive development, despite noting that the inclusion was delayed. The treatment remains subject to clinical suitability evaluations for individual patients.