Coverage Policy Manual
Policy #: 2023045
Category: Pharmacy
Initiated: October 2023
Last Review: October 2024
  Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris) and Biosimilars

Description:
Eculizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal IgG2/4 antibody selectively inhibits the terminal portion of the complement system by specifically binding to the terminal C5, which acts at a late stage in the complement cascade. Inhibition of the complement cascade at this point, preserves the normal, disease-preventing functions of proximal complement system while impeding the properties of C5 that promote inflammation and cell destruction. As a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to complement protein C5, eculizumab effectively inhibits enzymatic cleavage and blocks formation of the terminal complement complex, preventing red cell lysis in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).
 
Regulatory Status
 
On March 16, 2007, Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cheshire, CT), a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the human C5 complement protein, received accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of individuals with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) to reduce hemolysis. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare clonal hematopoietic stem disorder clinically characterized by chronic complement-mediated hemolysis, thrombosis, and bone marrow failure. Thrombosis, the major cause of death in PNH, is observed in approximately 40% of individuals. The symptoms associated with this disorder, including fatigue, pain, esophageal spasm, and erectile dysfunction, are often severe and disabling.
 
On September 23, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris) for the treatment of all pediatric and adult individuals with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure caused by platelet thrombi in the microcirculation of the kidney and other organs. Typical (acquired) HUS is triggered by infectious agents such as strains of E. coli (Stx-E. coli) that produce powerful Shiga-like exotoxins, whereas atypical HUS (aHUS) can be genetic, acquired, or idiopathic (of unknown cause). Onset of atypical HUS ranges from prenatal to adulthood. Individuals with genetic atypical HUS frequently experience relapse even after complete recovery following the presenting episode. Sixty percent of genetic aHUS progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
 
In October 2017, the FDA approved Eculizumab for the treatment of adult individuals with generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMg) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. MG is a common disorder of neuromuscular transmission characterized by a variable combination of weakness in ocular, bulbar, limb, and respiratory muscles. Autoantibodies to the acetylcholine receptor is present in 73% - 88% of individuals with gMG. In the REGAIN study (NCT01997229), Eculizumab produced meaningful improvements in ADL’s, muscle strength, functional ability, and quality of life in those individuals with AchR refractory gMG.
 
Eculizumab was also approved for neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult individuals who are anti-aquapoin-4 (AQP4-IgG) antibody positive on June 27, 2019. NMOSD is a relapsing, autoimmune, inflammatory disorder that typically affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. At least two thirds of the cases are associated with AQP4-IgG and complement-mediated damage to the central nervous system.
 
On March 10, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris) for the treatment of pediatric individuals aged six years and older with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. This landmark approval makes Soliris the first and only treatment available for pediatric individuals living with this debilitating neuromuscular disease.
 
Complement inhibitors such as eculizumab have black box warnings for serious meningococcal infections. Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in individuals treated with complement inhibitors and meningococcal infection may become rapidly life-threating or fatal if not recognized and treated early. Individuals should be immunized with meningococcal vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of therapy unless the risks of delaying therapy outweigh the risk of developing a meningococcal infection. The FDA has required the manufacturers to develop comprehensive risk management programs that include the enrollment of prescribers and dispensing pharmacies in Soliris Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) Program.  
 
Coding
 
See CPT/HCPCS Code section below.

Policy/
Coverage:
Effective April 01, 2018, prior approval is required for Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris).
 
The use of these drugs requires documentation of direct physician (MD/DO) involvement in the ordering and evaluation as well as a signature in the medical records submitted for prior approval.
 
Effective January 1, 2026
 
Select products are preferred where there is an FDA approved indication for the biosimilar product and for all off-label uses of the reference product. According to the United States FDA “a biosimilar is a biological product that has no clinically meaningful differences from the existing FDA-approved reference product. All biosimilar products meet the FDA’s rigorous standards for approval for the indications described in the product labeling. Once a biosimilar has been approved by the FDA, the safety and effectiveness of these products have been established, just as they have been for the reference product.”
 
Preferred Products:
 
HCPCS          Brand Name                 Generic Name
Q5152            Bkemv                           Eculizumab-aagh
Q5151            Epysqli                          Eculizumab-aagh
J1299             Soliris                            Eculizumab
 
Non-Preferred Products:
 
HCPCS          Brand Name                 Generic Name
None
 
If the request is for a non-preferred product, one of the following criteria must be met for the non-preferred product to be covered:
 
1. The individual has a documented serious adverse event to all preferred products that required medical intervention AND the prescriber has completed and submitted an FDA MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Form for each event (the prescriber must provide a copy of the completed MedWatch form. Authorizations will not be considered unless the form is completed and submitted to the FDA); OR
2. None of the preferred products have an FDA approved indication that is requested, and the requested non-preferred product has the FDA approved indication that is requested.
 
Meets Primary Coverage Criteria Or Is Covered For Contracts Without Primary Coverage Criteria
 
Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris and biosimilars) meets member benefit certificate primary coverage criteria that there be scientific evidence of effectiveness in improving health outcomes when ALL the following criteria are met:
 
For FDA labeled indications, Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris and biosimilars) must be dosed in accordance with the indication specific recommended dose per FDA label unless otherwise specified in the dosage and administration section.
 
Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)
 
INITIAL APPROVAL STANDARD REVIEW for up to 12 months:
 
1. Individual is 6 years of age or older (Soliris, 2025); AND
2. Individual has a diagnosis of generalized Myasthenia Gravis classified as Class II to IV disease per the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification system (see policy guidelines) (Soliris, 2024); AND
3. The individual has a Myasthenia Gravis-Specific Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) total score of greater than or equal to 6 at initiation. (Soliris, 2024); AND
4. Individual is anti-AChR antibody positive (Soliris, 2024); AND
5. Individual has inadequate treatment response, intolerance, or contraindication to an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (e.g., pyridostigmine) (Bird, 2024) AND meets one of the following:
a. Individual has inadequate treatment response to a 6-month trial with at least one or more of the following immunosuppressants: Azathioprine, Cyclosporine, Mycophenolate mofetil, Tacrolimus, Glucocorticoids, Methotrexate, Cyclophosphamide; OR
b. Individual has a documented intolerance or contraindication to all listed immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, glucocorticoids, methotrexate or cyclophosphamide); OR
c. Individual is on a stable dose of one or more immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, glucocorticoids, methotrexate or cyclophosphamide) and has required four or more rescue or bridge therapies [e.g., intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) or therapeutic plasma exchange] within 12 months (Alhaidar, 2022); AND
6. Individual will not be receiving concurrent chronic IVIG (does not include IVIG administered as rescue therapy) or any other biologic agent (rozanolixizumab, ravulizumab, rituximab, inebilizumab, satralizumab, efgartigimod) for gMG in combination with eculizumab (Soliris, 2024); AND
7. Will not be used to treat any of the following conditions:
a. Antibody-mediated rejection in organ transplantation; OR
b. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) vasculitis; OR
c. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS); OR
d. Dense deposit disease or C3 nephropathy; OR
e. Hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome in preeclampsia; OR
f. Hemolytic cold agglutinin disease; OR
g. Nonexudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration; OR
h. Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS); OR
i.  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); OR
j. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); AND
8. Must be prescribed by or in consultation with a neurologist with specialization in the treatment of gMG with Class II-IV disease.
 
CONTINUED APPROVAL for up to 12 months:
 
1. Individual continues to meet the initial treatment criteria; AND
2. Individual has experienced a decrease of 2 points in MG-ADL total score from pre-treatment baseline value; AND
3. Individual will not be receiving concurrent chronic IVIG (does not include IVIG administered as rescue therapy) or any other biologic agent (rozanolixizumab, ravulizumab, rituximab, inebilizumab, satralizumab efgartigimod) for gMG in combination with eculizumab (Soliris, 2024).
 
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)
 
INITIAL APPROVAL STANDARD REVIEW for up to 12 months:
 
1. The individual is 18 years of age and older (Soliris, 2025); AND
2. A diagnosis of Neuromyelitis Optica or NMOSD (Pittock, 2019) as identified by documentation of at least one core clinical characteristic as follows:
a. Optic neuritis; OR
b. Acute myelitis; OR
c. Area postrema syndrome – episode of otherwise unexplained hiccups or nausea and vomiting; OR
d. Acute brainstem syndrome; OR
e. Symptomatic narcolepsy or acute diencephalic clinical syndrome with NMOSD-typical diencephalic MRI lesions; OR
f. Symptomatic cerebral syndrome with NMOSD-typical brain lesions; AND
3. Evidence of AQP4-IgG – Seropositive status (preferably cell-based assay) (Pittock, 2019); AND
4. A history of at least 2 relapses during the previous 12 months or 3 relapses during the previous 24 months, at least one of which had occurred within the previous 12 months (Pittock, 2019); AND
5. Will be ordered by or in consultation with a neurologist; AND
6. The individual is not receiving eculizumab in combination with any of the following:
a. Disease modifying therapies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (e.g., fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, ocrelizumab); OR
b. Aanti-IL6 therapy (e.g., tocilizumab, satralizumab); OR
c. B-cell depletion therapy (e.g., rituximab, inebilizumab-cdon); OR
d. Other biologic agents; OR
e. IVIG or plasmapheresis/ plasma exchange; AND
7. Will not be used to treat any of the following conditions:
a. Antibody-mediated rejection in organ transplantation; OR
b. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) vasculitis; OR
c. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS); OR
d. Dense deposit disease or C3 nephropathy; OR
e. Hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome in preeclampsia; OR
f. Hemolytic cold agglutinin disease; OR
g. Nonexudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration; OR
h. Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS); OR
i. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); OR
j. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
 
CONTINUED APPROVAL for up to 12 months:
 
1. Individual continues to meet the initial treatment criteria; AND
2. Individual exhibits no evidence of relapse of the NMOSD.
 
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
 
INITIAL APPROVAL STANDARD REVIEW for up to 12 months:
 
1. The individual is 18 years of age and older (Soliris, 2025); AND
2. Individual has diagnosis of PNH as documented by flow cytometry, including the presence of:
a. Equal to or more than10% of PNH type III red cells (Hillmen, 2006); AND
b. Equal to or more than 40% Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-AP)-deficient polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs); AND
3. Either of the following criteria (a) OR (b) are met (Parker, 2016):
a. The individual has: Hemoglobin that is less than or equal to 7 g/dl, or the individual has symptoms of anemia, and the hemoglobin is less than or equal to 9 g/dl (Hillmen, 2006); OR
b. Documented history of a major adverse vascular event (MAVE) from thromboembolism (Parker, 2016); AND
4. Will not be used in combination with another complement inhibitor used to treat PNH; AND
5. Will not be used to treat any of the following conditions:
a. Antibody-mediated rejection in organ transplantation; OR
b. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) vasculitis; OR
c. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS); OR
d. Dense deposit disease or C3 nephropathy; OR
e. Hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome in preeclampsia; OR
f. Hemolytic cold agglutinin disease; OR
g. Nonexudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration; OR
h. Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS); OR
i. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); OR
j. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); AND
6. Will not be used concomitant with IVIG.
 
CONTINUED APPROVAL for up to 12 months:
 
1. Individual continues to meet the initial treatment criteria; AND
2. Individual is demonstrating a positive clinical response from baseline as evidenced by:
a. Increased stabilization of hemoglobin levels; AND
b. Reduction in transfusions; AND
c. Improvement in hemolysis (e.g., normalization or decrease of LDH levels); AND
d. Improvement in fatigue and quality of life.
 
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS)
 
INITIAL APPROVAL STANDARD REVIEW for up to 12 months:
 
1. The individual has a diagnosis of aHUS supported by the absence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection (Soliris, 2025); AND
2. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) has been ruled out (for example, normal ADAMTS 13 activity and no evidence of an ADAMTS 13 inhibitor), or if TTP cannot be ruled out by laboratory and clinical evaluation, a trial of plasma exchange did not result in clinical improvement (George, 2014; Scully, 2017); AND
3. Will not be used in combination with another complement inhibitor used to treat aHUS; AND
4. Will not be used to treat any of the following conditions:
a. Antibody-mediated rejection in organ transplantation; OR
b. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) vasculitis; OR
c. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS); OR
d. Dense deposit disease or C3 nephropathy; OR
e. Hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome in preeclampsia; OR
f. Hemolytic cold agglutinin disease; OR
g. Nonexudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration; OR
h. Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS); OR
i. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); OR
j. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); AND
5. Will not be used concomitant with IVIG.
 
CONTINUED APPROVAL for up to 12 months:
 
1. Individual continues to meet the initial treatment criteria; AND
2. Individual is demonstrating a positive clinical response from baseline as evidenced by:
a. Increased platelet count from pretreatment baseline; AND
b. Reduction in plasma exchanges, reduction in dialysis, increased platelet count; AND
c. Improvement in hemolysis (e.g., normalization or decrease in LDH levels); AND
d. Stabilization/improvement in serum creatinine/eGFR from pretreatment baseline.
 
REINITIATION of eculizumab for aHUS:
 
Requests for reinitiation of eculizumab in aHUS may be approved if the following criteria are met (Fakhouri 2017):
 
1. The individual has met the initiation criteria above; AND
2. Documentation is provided that the individual experienced a relapse after discontinuation of therapy as defined by:
a. Reduction in platelet count to less than 150,000/mm3 or greater than 25% from baseline; OR
b. Mechanical hemolysis (having 2 or more features of hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL, lactate dehydrogenase greater than 2 times upper limit of normal, undetectable haptoglobin, or presence of schistocytes on smear); OR
c. Acute kidney injury with serum creatinine increase greater than 15% from baseline levels.
 
Policy Guidelines
 
Complete or update meningococcal vaccination (for serogroups A, C, W, Y and B) at least 2 weeks prior to administration of the first dose of Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris), according to current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for individuals receiving a complement inhibitor. Revaccinate individuals in accordance with ACIP recommendations, considering the duration of therapy with Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris and biosimilars).
 
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Clinical Classification:
      • Class I: any ocular weakness; all other muscle strength is normal
      • Class II: mild weakness affecting other than ocular muscles; may also have ocular weakness at any level
      • Class III: moderate weakness affecting other than ocular muscles; may also have ocular weakness at any level
      • Class IV: severe weakness affecting other than ocular muscles; may also have ocular weakness at any level
      • Class V: defined by intubation, with or without mechanical ventilation (Use of feeding tube without intubation = Class IVb)
 
Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living Scale (MG-ADL):
 
The MG-ADL scale assesses the impact of gMG on daily functions of 8 signs or symptoms that are typically affected in gMG. Each item is assessed on a 4-point scale; a score of 0 represents normal function and a score of 3 represents loss of ability to perform that function. A total score ranges from 0 to 24, with the higher scores indicating more impairment. Score grade items are as follows (Wolfe, 1999):
 
Talking
      • 0 normal
      • 1 intermittent slurring or nasal speech
      • 2 constant slurring or nasal, but can be understood
      • 3 difficult to understand speech
Chewing
      • 0 normal
      • 1 fatigue with solid food
      • 2 fatigue with soft food
      • 3 gastric tube
Swallowing
      • 0 normal
      • 1 rare episode of choking
      • 2 frequent choking, necessitating changes in diet
      • 3 gastric tube
Breathing
      • 0 normal
      • 1 shortness of breath with exertion
      • 2 shortness of breath at rest
      • 3 ventilator dependence
Impairment of ability to brush teeth or comb hair
      • 0 none
      • 1 extra effort, but no rest periods needed
      • 2 rest periods needed
      • 3 cannot do one of these function
Impairment of ability to arise from a chair
      • 0 none
      • 1 mild, sometimes uses arms
      • 2 moderate, always uses arms
      • 3 severe, requires assistance
Double vision
      • 0 None
      • 1 occurs, but not daily
      • 2 daily, but not constant
      • 3 constant
Eyelid droop
      • 0 none
      • 1 occurs, but not daily
      • 2 daily, but not constant
      • 3 constant
 
Dosage and Administration
Dosing per FDA Guidelines unless otherwise specified below.
 
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
 
The recommended dosing for adults 18 years of age and older:
      • 600 mg every 7 days for the first 4weeks, followed by
      • 900 mg for the 5th dose 7 days later, then every 14 days thereafter.
 
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)- adults
 
The recommended dosing for adults 18 years of age and older:
      • 900 mg weekly for the first 4 weeks, followed by
      • 1200 mg for the 5th dose 1 week later, then every 2 weeks thereafter
 
Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) and Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS)- pediatric individuals
 
For individuals less than 18 years of age, administer eculizumab, (e.g., Soliris) based upon body weight, according to the following schedule:
 
Body weight range                    Loading dose                                        Maintenance dose
5kg to less than 10 kg               300mg weekly x 1 dose                         300 mg at week 2; then every 3 weeks
10kg to less than 20 kg             600mg weekly x 1 dose                          300 mg at week 2; then every 2 weeks
20kg to less than 30 kg             600mg weekly x 2 doses                        600 mg at week 3; then every 2 weeks
30kg to less than 40 kg             600 mg weekly x 2 doses                       900 mg at week 3; then every 2 weeks
Greater than or equal to 40 kg    900 mg weekly x 4 doses                       1200 mg at week 5; then every 2 weeks
 
Eculizumab is available as a single dose vial that is 300 mg/30mL and should be administered by a healthcare professional.
 
Please refer to separate policy on Site of Care or Site of Service Review (policy #2018030) for pharmacologic/biologic medications.
 
Does Not Meet Primary Coverage Criteria Or Is Investigational For Contracts Without Primary Coverage Criteria
 
Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris and biosimilars) for any indication or circumstance not described above, does not meet member benefit certificate primary coverage criteria that there be scientific evidence of effectiveness in improving health outcomes.
 
For members with contracts without primary coverage criteria, eculizumab, for any other indication or circumstance not described above, is considered investigational. Investigational services are specific contract exclusions in most member benefit certificates of coverage.
 
Effective April 23, 2025 to December 31, 2025
 
Select products are preferred where there is an FDA approved indication for the biosimilar product and for all off-label uses of the reference product. According to the United States FDA “a biosimilar is a biological product that has no clinically meaningful differences from the existing FDA-approved reference product. All biosimilar products meet the FDA’s rigorous standards for approval for the indications described in the product labeling. Once a biosimilar has been approved by the FDA, the safety and effectiveness of these products have been established, just as they have been for the reference product.”
 
Preferred Products:
 
HCPCS                           Brand Name                        Generic Name
J1299                              Soliris                                   Eculizumab
 
Non-Preferred Products:
 
HCPCS                           Brand Name                       Generic Name
Q5151                             Epysqli                                Eculizumab-aagh
Q5152                             Bkemv                                 Eculizumab-aagh
 
If the request is for a non-preferred product, one of the following criteria must be met for the non-preferred product to be covered:
1. The individual has a documented serious adverse event to all preferred products that required medical intervention AND the prescriber has completed and submitted an FDA MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Form for each event (the prescriber must provide a copy of the completed MedWatch form. Authorizations will not be considered unless the form is completed and submitted to the FDA); OR
2. None of the preferred products have an FDA approved indication that is requested, and the requested non-preferred product has the FDA approved indication that is requested.
 
Effective April 23, 2025
 
Meets Primary Coverage Criteria Or Is Covered For Contracts Without Primary Coverage Criteria
 
Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris and biosimilars) meets member benefit certificate primary coverage criteria that there be scientific evidence of effectiveness in improving health outcomes when ALL the following criteria are met:
 
For FDA labeled indications, Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris and biosimilars) must be dosed in accordance with the indication specific recommended dose per FDA label unless otherwise specified in the dosage and administration section.
 
Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)
 
INITIAL APPROVAL STANDARD REVIEW for up to 12 months:
 
    1. Individual is 6 years of age or older (Soliris, 2025); AND
    2. Individual has a diagnosis of generalized Myasthenia Gravis classified as Class II to IV disease per the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification system (see policy guidelines) (Soliris, 2024); AND
    3. The individual has a Myasthenia Gravis-Specific Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) total score of greater than or equal to 6 at initiation. (Soliris, 2024); AND
    4. Individual is anti-AChR antibody positive (Soliris, 2024); AND
    5. Individual has inadequate treatment response, intolerance, or contraindication to an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (e.g., pyridostigmine) (Bird, 2024) AND meets one of the following:
a. Individual has inadequate treatment response to a 6-month trial with at least one or more of the following immunosuppressants: Azathioprine, Cyclosporine, Mycophenolate mofetil, Tacrolimus, Glucocorticoids, Methotrexate, Cyclophosphamide; OR
b. Individual has a documented intolerance or contraindication to all listed immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, glucocorticoids, methotrexate or cyclophosphamide); OR
c. Individual is on a stable dose of one or more immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, glucocorticoids, methotrexate or cyclophosphamide) and has required four or more rescue or bridge therapies [e.g., intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) or therapeutic plasma exchange] within 12 months (Alhaidar, 2022); AND
6. Individual will not be receiving concurrent chronic IVIG (does not include IVIG administered as rescue therapy) or any other biologic agent (rozanolixizumab, ravulizumab, rituximab, inebilizumab, satralizumab, efgartigimod) for gMG in combination with eculizumab (Soliris, 2024); AND
7. Will not be used to treat any of the following conditions:
a. Antibody-mediated rejection in organ transplantation; OR
b. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) vasculitis; OR
c. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS); OR
d. Dense deposit disease or C3 nephropathy; OR
e. Hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome in preeclampsia; OR
f. Hemolytic cold agglutinin disease; OR
g. Nonexudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration; OR
h. Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS); OR
i. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); OR
j. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); AND
8. Must be prescribed by or in consultation with a neurologist with specialization in the treatment of gMG with Class II-IV disease.
 
CONTINUED APPROVAL for up to 12 months:
 
    1. Individual continues to meet the initial treatment criteria; AND
    2. Individual has experienced a decrease of 2 points in MG-ADL total score from pre-treatment baseline value; AND
    3. Individual will not be receiving concurrent chronic IVIG (does not include IVIG administered as rescue therapy) or any other biologic agent (rozanolixizumab, ravulizumab, rituximab, inebilizumab, satralizumab efgartigimod) for gMG in combination with eculizumab (Soliris, 2024).
 
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)
 
INITIAL APPROVAL STANDARD REVIEW for up to 12 months:
 
    1. The individual is 18 years of age and older (Soliris, 2025); AND
    2. A diagnosis of Neuromyelitis Optica or NMOSD (Pittock, 2019) as identified by documentation of at least one core clinical characteristic as follows:
a. Optic neuritis; OR
b. Acute myelitis; OR
c. Area postrema syndrome – episode of otherwise unexplained hiccups or nausea and vomiting; OR
d. Acute brainstem syndrome; OR
e. Symptomatic narcolepsy or acute diencephalic clinical syndrome with NMOSD-typical diencephalic MRI lesions; OR
f. Symptomatic cerebral syndrome with NMOSD-typical brain lesions; AND
3. Evidence of AQP4-IgG – Seropositive status (preferably cell-based assay) (Pittock, 2019); AND
4. A history of at least 2 relapses during the previous 12 months or 3 relapses during the previous 24 months, at least one of which had occurred within the previous 12 months (Pittock, 2019); AND
5. Will be ordered by or in consultation with a neurologist; AND
6. The individual is not receiving eculizumab in combination with any of the following:
a. Disease modifying therapies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (e.g., fingolimod, dimethyl  fumarate, ocrelizumab); OR
b. Aanti-IL6 therapy (e.g., tocilizumab, satralizumab); OR
c. B-cell depletion therapy (e.g., rituximab, inebilizumab-cdon); OR
d. Other biologic agents; OR
e. IVIG or plasmapheresis/ plasma exchange; AND
7. Will not be used to treat any of the following conditions:
a. Antibody-mediated rejection in organ transplantation; OR
b. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) vasculitis; OR
c. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS); OR
d. Dense deposit disease or C3 nephropathy; OR
e. Hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome in preeclampsia; OR
f. Hemolytic cold agglutinin disease; OR
g. Nonexudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration; OR
h. Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS); OR
i. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); OR
j. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
 
CONTINUED APPROVAL for up to 12 months:
 
    1. Individual continues to meet the initial treatment criteria; AND
    2. Individual exhibits no evidence of relapse of the NMOSD.
 
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
 
INITIAL APPROVAL STANDARD REVIEW for up to 12 months:
    1. The individual is 18 years of age and older (Soliris, 2025); AND
2. Individual has diagnosis of PNH as documented by flow cytometry, including the presence of:
a. Equal to or more than10% of PNH type III red cells (Hillmen, 2006); AND
b. Equal to or more than 40% Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-AP)-deficient polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs); AND
3. Either of the following criteria (a) OR (b) are met (Parker, 2016):
a. The individual has: Hemoglobin that is less than or equal to 7 g/dl, or the individual has symptoms of anemia, and the hemoglobin is less than or equal to 9 g/dl (Hillmen, 2006); OR
b. Documented history of a major adverse vascular event (MAVE) from thromboembolism (Parker, 2016); AND
4. Will not be used in combination with another complement inhibitor used to treat PNH; AND
5. Will not be used to treat any of the following conditions:
a. Antibody-mediated rejection in organ transplantation; OR
b. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) vasculitis; OR
c. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS); OR
d. Dense deposit disease or C3 nephropathy; OR
e. Hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome in preeclampsia; OR
f. Hemolytic cold agglutinin disease; OR
g. Nonexudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration; OR
h. Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS); OR
i. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); OR
j. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); AND
6. Will not be used concomitant with IVIG.
 
CONTINUED APPROVAL for up to 12 months:
 
    1. Individual continues to meet the initial treatment criteria; AND
    2. Individual is demonstrating a positive clinical response from baseline as evidenced by:
a. Increased stabilization of hemoglobin levels; AND
b. Reduction in transfusions; AND
c. Improvement in hemolysis (e.g., normalization or decrease of LDH levels); AND
d. Improvement in fatigue and quality of life.
 
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS)
 
INITIAL APPROVAL STANDARD REVIEW for up to 12 months:
 
    1. The individual has a diagnosis of aHUS supported by the absence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection (Soliris, 2025); AND
    2. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) has been ruled out (for example, normal ADAMTS 13 activity and no evidence of an ADAMTS 13 inhibitor), or if TTP cannot be ruled out by laboratory and clinical evaluation, a trial of plasma exchange did not result in clinical improvement (George, 2014; Scully, 2017); AND
    3. Will not be used in combination with another complement inhibitor used to treat aHUS; AND
    4. Will not be used to treat any of the following conditions:
a. Antibody-mediated rejection in organ transplantation; OR
b. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) vasculitis; OR
c. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS); OR
d. Dense deposit disease or C3 nephropathy; OR
e. Hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome in preeclampsia; OR
f. Hemolytic cold agglutinin disease; OR
g. Nonexudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration; OR
h. Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS); OR
i. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); OR
j. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); AND
5. Will not be used concomitant with IVIG.
 
CONTINUED APPROVAL for up to 12 months:
 
    1. Individual continues to meet the initial treatment criteria; AND
    2. Individual is demonstrating a positive clinical response from baseline as evidenced by:
a. Increased platelet count from pretreatment baseline; AND
b. Reduction in plasma exchanges, reduction in dialysis, increased platelet count; AND
c. Improvement in hemolysis (e.g., normalization or decrease in LDH levels); AND
d. Stabilization/improvement in serum creatinine/eGFR from pretreatment baseline.
 
REINITIATION of eculizumab for aHUS:
 
Requests for reinitiation of eculizumab in aHUS may be approved if the following criteria are met (Fakhouri 2017):
    1. The individual has met the initiation criteria above; AND
    2. Documentation is provided that the individual experienced a relapse after discontinuation of therapy as defined by:
a. Reduction in platelet count to less than 150,000/mm3 or greater than 25% from baseline; OR
b. Mechanical hemolysis (having 2 or more features of hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL, lactate  dehydrogenase greater than 2 times upper limit of normal, undetectable haptoglobin, or presence  of schistocytes on smear); OR
c. Acute kidney injury with serum creatinine increase greater than 15% from baseline levels.
 
Policy Guidelines
 
Complete or update meningococcal vaccination (for serogroups A, C, W, Y and B) at least 2 weeks prior to administration of the first dose of Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris), according to current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for individuals receiving a complement inhibitor. Revaccinate individuals in accordance with ACIP recommendations, considering the duration of therapy with Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris and biosimilars).
 
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Clinical Classification:
    •  Class I: any ocular weakness; all other muscle strength is normal
    •  Class II: mild weakness affecting other than ocular muscles; may also have ocular weakness at any level
    •  Class III: moderate weakness affecting other than ocular muscles; may also have ocular weakness at any level
    •  Class IV: severe weakness affecting other than ocular muscles; may also have ocular weakness at any level
    •  Class V: defined by intubation, with or without mechanical ventilation (Use of feeding tube without intubation = Class IVb)
 
Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living Scale (MG-ADL):
The MG-ADL scale assesses the impact of gMG on daily functions of 8 signs or symptoms that are typically affected in gMG. Each item is assessed on a 4-point scale; a score of 0 represents normal function and a score of 3 represents loss of ability to perform that function. A total score ranges from 0 to 24, with the higher scores indicating more impairment. Score grade items are as follows (Wolfe, 1999):
 
Talking
    •  0 normal
    •  1 intermittent slurring or nasal speech
    •  2 constant slurring or nasal, but can be understood
    •  3 difficult to understand speech
Chewing
    •  0 normal
    •  1 fatigue with solid food
    •  2 fatigue with soft food
    •  3 gastric tube
Swallowing
    •  0 normal
    •  1 rare episode of choking
    •  2 frequent choking, necessitating changes in diet
    •  3 gastric tube
Breathing
    •  0 normal
    •  1 shortness of breath with exertion
    •  2 shortness of breath at rest
    •  3 ventilator dependence
Impairment of ability to brush teeth or comb hair
    •  0 none
    •  1 extra effort, but no rest periods needed
    •  2 rest periods needed
    •  3 cannot do one of these function
Impairment of ability to arise from a chair
    •  0 none
    •  1 mild, sometimes uses arms
    •  2 moderate, always uses arms
    •  3 severe, requires assistance
Double vision
    •  0 None
    •  1 occurs, but not daily
    •  2 daily, but not constant
    •  3 constant
Eyelid droop
    •  0 none
    •  1 occurs, but not daily
    •  2 daily, but not constant
    •  3 constant
 
Dosage and Administration
Dosing per FDA Guidelines unless otherwise specified below.
 
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
 
The recommended dosing for adults 18 years of age and older:
    •  600 mg every 7 days for the first 4weeks, followed by
    •  900 mg for the 5th dose 7 days later, then every 14 days thereafter.
 
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)- adults
 
The recommended dosing for adults 18 years of age and older:
    •  900 mg weekly for the first 4 weeks, followed by
    •  1200 mg for the 5th dose 1 week later, then every 2 weeks thereafter
 
Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) and Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS)- pediatric individuals
 
For individuals less than 18 years of age, administer eculizumab, (e.g., Soliris) based upon body weight, according to the following schedule:
 
Body weight range                        Loading dose                               Maintenance dose
5kg to less than 10 kg                  300mg weekly x 1 dose                300 mg at week 2; then every 3 weeks
10kg to less than 20 kg                600mg weekly x 1 dose                300 mg at week 2; then every 2 weeks   
20kg to less than 30 kg                600mg weekly x 2 doses              600 mg at week 3; then every 2 weeks   
30kg to less than 40 kg                600 mg weekly x 2 doses             900 mg at week 3; then every 2 weeks
Greater than or equal to 40 kg       900 mg weekly x 4 doses             1200 mg at week 5; then every 2 weeks
 
Eculizumab is available as a single dose vial that is 300 mg/30mL and should be administered by a healthcare professional.  
 
Please refer to separate policy on Site of Care or Site of Service Review (policy #2018030) for pharmacologic/biologic medications.
 
Does Not Meet Primary Coverage Criteria Or Is Investigational For Contracts Without Primary Coverage Criteria
 
Eculizumab (e.g., Soliris and biosimilars) for any indication or circumstance not described above, does not meet member benefit certificate primary coverage criteria that there be scientific evidence of effectiveness in improving health outcomes.
 
For members with contracts without primary coverage criteria, eculizumab, for any other indication or circumstance not described above, is considered investigational. Investigational services are specific contract exclusions in most member benefit certificates of coverage.
 
Due to the detail of the policy statement, the document containing the coverage statements for dates prior to April 23, 2025 is not online. If you would like a hardcopy print, please email: codespecificinquiry@arkbluecross.com

Rationale:
October 2022 Update
The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) published a review for eculizumab and efgartigimod for the treatment of myasthenia gravis.  It identified one Phase III trial each for eculizumab (REGAIN) and efgartigimod (ADAPT) but found insufficient data to compare these drugs to maintenance intravenous immunoglobulin IVIG and rituximab (RTX).  In the Phase III REGAIN trial, patients with anti-AChR antibody positive, treatment-resistant gMG who received eculizumab had significantly better improvement in the myasthenia gravis activities of daily living (MG-ADL) and quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) scores than those on placebo at four weeks and eight weeks, and the improvements were sustained at 26 weeks.  In addition, at week 26, the proportion of patients with minimal symptom expression (MG-ADL score of 0 or 1) was much greater in the eculizumab group (21.4% vs. 1.7%, p=0.0007) [Vissing J et al., 2020]  In the open label extension through 130 weeks of follow up, the benefits were maintained, and may have increased compared with 26 weeks [Mantegazza R, et al., 2021]  There were no excess adverse events (AEs) in the trials, although more patients in the eculizumab group stopped treatment due to AEs, and it carries a black box warning for meningococcal infections.  
 
The Phase III ADAPT trial was conducted in gMG patients with or without anti-AChR-antibody; however, the primary outcome was in the subgroup of anti-AChR antibody positive patients.  The proportion of patients with clinically meaningful improvement (2-point MG-ADL improvement sustained for 4 weeks) was much greater in the efgartigimod group compared to the placebo group.  Anti-AChR antibody positive gMG patients who received efgartigimod did significantly better on MG-ADL and QMG than those who received placebo.  However, the improvements were greater at four weeks than at eight weeks, reflecting the unusual dosing schedule in the trial.
 
Patients received their second treatment cycle only when they no longer had a clinically meaningful improvement on the MG-ADL.  Thus, many patients were back near baseline at eight weeks.  The anti-AChR antibody negative patients randomized to efgartigimod were only slightly more likely to respond based on the MG-ADL (68% vs. 63% in placebo group, p=NR).  AEs did not appear to be more common with efgartigimod, but there are long-term concerns about infections with lowering of IgG levels.
 
One important area of uncertainty is that it is not clear if or when to stop either of the drugs in patients who are responding to them.  For efgartigimod, the primary uncertainty is the appropriate dosing regimen.  In the ADAPT trial, subsequent cycles were started once patients lost clinical benefits.  It seems likely that in routine practice, patients and clinicians will not want to wait until the benefits have receded before starting another round of therapy.  Also, despite their use in clinical practice, there is a lack of comparative efficacy data for both rituximab and IVIG used as maintenance therapy for gMG.  
 
Taking into consideration the above information on the benefits and AEs of eculizumab, it was concluded that there is moderate certainty of a small or substantial net health benefit with high certainty of at least a small benefit for eculizumab added to conventional therapy (B+) in adults with gMG positive for anti-AChR antibodies “refractory” to conventional therapy.  For efgartigimod, given the above information on short-term benefits, but uncertainties about dosing, long-term benefits, and long-term safety, it was concluded that that there is moderate certainty of a comparable, small, or substantial net health benefit of efgartigimod added to conventional therapy with high certainty of at least comparable net health benefit (C++) in adults with gMG positive for anti-AChR antibodies.  While there is evidence for efgartigimod in adults with gMG negative for anti-AChR antibodies, it is sparse and of uncertain clinical and statistical significance.  Thus, it was concluded that the evidence was insufficient (I) to distinguish the net health benefit of efgartigimod added to conventional therapy from conventional therapy alone in patients who test negative for anti-AChR antibodies.  In addition, the evidence is insufficient (I) to distinguish the net health benefits of rituximab and IVIG from placebo, eculizumab, and efgartigimod.
 
2023 Update
Annual policy review completed with a literature search using the MEDLINE database through October 2023. No new literature was identified that would prompt a change in the coverage statement.
 
September 2024 Update
Policy review completed with a literature search using the MEDLINE database through May 2024. Updated revised recommendations of the Neuromyelitis Optica Study Group (Journal of Neurology, 2024) set complement inhibitors such as eculizumab and ravulizumab on parity with CD19 antigen inhibitors such as inebilizumab and interleukin 6 antagonists such as satralizumab. Clinical criteria updated.
 
2024 Update
Annual policy review completed with a literature search using the MEDLINE database through October 2024. No new literature was identified that would prompt a change in the coverage statement.
 
2025 Update
Criteria updated with lower age limit for myasthenia gravis indication based on the recent FDA approval.  

CPT/HCPCS:
C9399Unclassified drugs or biologicals
J1299Injection, eculizumab, 2 mg
J1300Injection, eculizumab, 10 mg
J3590Unclassified biologics
Q5139Injection, eculizumab-aeeb (bkemv), biosimilar, 10 mg
Q5151Injection, eculizumab aagh (epysqli), biosimilar, 2 mg
Q5152Injection, eculizumab aeeb (bkemv), biosimilar, 2 mg

References: ACIP(2025) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/acip/index.html

Alexion Pharmaceuticals.(2019) SOLIRIS® (eculizumab) injection, for intravenous use: Prescribing label. https://alexion.com/Documents/Soliris_USPI.pdf. Accessed June 30, 2019.

Alhaidar MK, Abumurad S, Soliven B, Rezania K.(2022) Current Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis. J Clin Med. 2022 Mar 14;11(6):1597. doi: 10.3390/jcm11061597. PMID: 35329925; PMCID: PMC8950430.

Andersen H, Mantegazza R, Wang JJ, et al.(2019) Eculizumab improves fatigue in refractory generalized myasthenia gravis [published correction appears in Qual Life Res. 2019 May 21:]. Qual Life Res. 2019;28(8):2247–2254. doi:10.1007/s11136-019-02148-2.

Anderson H, Mantegazza R, Wang JJ, et al.(2019) Eculizumab improves fatigue in refractory generalized myasthenia gravis. Qual Life Res. 2019 Mar 23. doi: 10.1007/s11136-019-02148-2.

Ardissino G, Testa S, Possenti I, et al.(2014) Discontinuation of eculizumab maintenance treatment for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: a report of 10 cases. Am J Kidney Dis. 2014; 64(4):633-637.

Ariceta G, Besbas N, Johnson S, et al.(2009) Guideline for the investigation and initial therapy of diarrhea-negative hemolytic uremic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol. 2009; 24(4):687-696.

Bird, Shawn J.(2024) Chronic Immunotherapy for Myasthenia Gravis. UpToDate, Connor RF (Ed), Wolters Kluwer. Accessed April 2, 2024. Subscription required.

Bird, Shawn J.(2024) Overview of the treatment of myasthenia gravis. UpToDate, Connor RF (Ed), Wolters Kluwer. Accessed April 2, 2024. Subscription required.

Bomback AS, Smith RJ, Barile GR, et al.(2012) Eculizumab for dense deposit disease and C3 glomerulonephritis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2012; 7(5):748-756.

Brodsky RA, Young NS, Antonioli E, et al.(2010) Multicenter phase 3 study of the complement inhibitor eculizumab for the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Blood. 2008; 111(4):1840-1847.

Brodsky RA.(2010) Stem cell transplantation for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Haematologica. 2010; 95(6):855-856.

Burwick RM, Feinberg BB.(2013) Eculizumab for the treatment of preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome. Placenta. 2013; 34(2):201-203.

Canaud G, Kamar N, Anglicheau D, et al.(2013) Eculizumab improves posttransplant thrombotic microangiopathy due to antiphospholipid syndrome recurrence but fails to prevent chronic vascular changes. Am J Transplant. 2013; 13(8):2179-2185.

Chapin J, Weksler B, Magro C, Laurence J.(2012) Eculizumab in the treatment of refractory idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Br J Haematol. 2012; 157(6):772-774.

Howard JF Jr, Utsugisawa K. Benatar M, et al.(2017) Safety and efficacy of eculizumab in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive refractory generalised myasthenia gravis (REGAIN): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study. Lancet Neurol. 2017; Dec;16(12):976-986. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30369-1. Epub 2017 Oct 20.

Jodele S, Dandoy CE, Lane A, et al.(2020) Complement blockade for TA-TMA: lessons learned from large pediatric cohort treated with eculizumab. Blood. 2020 Jan 13. pii: blood.2019004218. doi: 10.1182/blood.2019004218. [Epub ahead of print]

Kulasekararaj AG, Hill A,Rottinghause, ST, et al.(2018) Ravulizumab (ALXN1210) vs eculizumab in C5-inhibitor-experienced adult patients with PNH: the 302 study. Blood. 2018 Dec 3. pii: blood-2018-09-876805. doi: 10.1182/blood-2018-09-876805. [Epub ahead of print]

Lee,JW, Sicre deFontbrune F, Wong Lee Lee L, et al.(2018) Ravulizumab (ALXN1210) vs eculizumab in adult patients with PNH naïve to complement inhibitors: the 301 study. Blood. 2018 Dec 3. Pii:blood-2018-09-876136. doi: 10.1182/blood-2018-09-876136. [Epub ahead of print]

Mantegazza R, Wolfe GI, Muppidi S, et al.(2021) Post-intervention Status in Patients With Refractory Myasthenia Gravis Treated With Eculizumab During REGAIN and Its Open-Label Extension. Neurology. 2021;96:e610-e618.

Mealy MA, Wingerchuk DM, Palace J, Greenberg BM, Levy M.(2014) Comparison of Relapse and Treatment Failure Rates Among Patients With Neuromyelitis Optica: Multicenter Study of Treatment Efficacy. JAMA Neurol. 2014;71(3):324–330. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.5699

Muppidi S, Utsugisawa K, Benatar M, et al.(2019) Long-term safety and efficacy of eculizumab in generalized myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve. 2019 Feb 14. doi: 10.1002/mus.26447.

Pittock S.J. Berthele A, Fujihara, H.J., et al.(2019) Eculizumab in Aquaporin-4-Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder. N Engl J Med 2019 May 3. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1900866. [Epub ahead of print]

Professional Resources on Myasthenia Gravis. Accessed May 4, 2022 at https://myasthenia.org/Professionals/Resources-for-Professionals

Soliris (eculizumab) package insert. Boston, MA: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2025 Feb.

Soliris(2024) package insert Boston, MA: Alexion Pharmaceuticals; 2024.

Tice JA, Touchette DR, Nikitin D, Campbell JD, Lien P-W, Moradi A, Rind DM, Pearson SD, Agboola F.(2021) Eculizumab and Efgartigimod for the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis: Effectiveness and Value; Final Report. Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, September 10, 2021. Accessed October 10, 2022. https://icer.org/assessment/myasthenia-gravis/#timeline.

Vissing J, Jacob S, Fujita KP, et al.(2020) Minimal symptom expression’ in patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive refractory generalized myasthenia gravis treated with eculizumab. Journal of Neurology. 2020;267:1991-2001.


Group specific policy will supersede this policy when applicable. This policy does not apply to the Wal-Mart Associates Group Health Plan participants.
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