Korea Takes Its First Step Reimbursing IO Drugs

Amid repeated calls industry, South Korea decides to pay for Keytruda and Opdivo in its first reimbursement of immuno-oncology drugs, albeit at limited scope. The government is poised to expand reimbursement of IO drugs going forward amid its plan to significantly expand health insurance coverage.

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South Korea has decided to reimburse Merck & Co. Inc.'s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.'s Opdivo (nivolumab), marking its first reimbursement of immuno-oncology drugs, to sharply lower the financial burden of patients and improve market access of these drugs.

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