Why China for autoimmune disease?

Three reasons: (1) Drug pricing — biologics (TNF inhibitors, IL-17, IL-23, IL-6) are NMPA-listed at 40–60% off US pricing, with deep biosimilar availability for adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab; (2) Trial pipeline — China is the world leader in autoimmune CAR-T trials (BCMA / CD19 / CD7) for refractory SLE, scleroderma, myositis and vasculitis, with the largest published case series globally; (3) Clinical volume — Class A rheumatology departments operate at scale, with deep diagnostic experience in atypical and overlapping autoimmune presentations.

What does a comprehensive autoimmune workup include?

Standard 2–3 day pathway: rheumatology consult; ANA with reflex ENA panel (anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, anti-SSA / SSB, anti-RNP, anti-Scl-70, anti-Jo-1, anti-centromere); RF + anti-CCP; ESR + CRP; complement (C3, C4, CH50); urinalysis with microscopy + protein:creatinine ratio; CBC + comprehensive metabolic; vitamin D, ferritin; targeted serology (HBV, HCV, HIV) before any biologic; pre-biologic TB screen (IGRA + chest X-ray); imaging targeted by suspected diagnosis (MSK ultrasound, plain films, MRI sacroiliac for AS, etc.). Bilingual final report mapped to ACR / EULAR / Chinese Rheumatology Association classification.

Can I start a biologic in China and continue at home?

Yes — common workflow. Pre-biologic workup (TB, HBV, HCV, vaccinations, baseline labs) at the partner centre; first or first-few doses administered; subsequent doses self-administered or via home rheumatology team. We provide bilingual prescription, vial-handling guidance, and home-team handover. Long-term continuity depends on home-country approval and reimbursement of the chosen biologic — most major TNF inhibitors and biosimilars are globally approved.

What about CAR-T for refractory autoimmune disease?

China hosts the world's largest published series of CAR-T (CD19, BCMA, CD19/22 dual-target) for refractory SLE, lupus nephritis, scleroderma, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and AAV. Published case series (Rheumatology 2022, Lancet Rheumatology 2024) suggest dramatic and durable responses in selected patients. As of 2026, CAR-T for autoimmune is investigational worldwide; in China, multiple Phase I/II trials are recruiting. Eligibility screening costs $450–$950 and typically returns 1–3 protocol matches based on disease, severity and prior therapy.

What about JAK inhibitors and the safety considerations?

JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib) are NMPA-approved and effective in RA, psoriatic arthritis, AS and atopic dermatitis. FDA / EMA / NMPA carry boxed warnings for cardiovascular events, VTE, malignancy and serious infection — based on the ORAL Surveillance trial. Patient selection: avoid in patients > 50 with cardiovascular risk factors or smokers; prefer biologic before JAK in this population. Discuss individual risk-benefit with your rheumatologist before initiating.

What about integrative TCM in autoimmune disease?

TCM is offered adjunctively at Class A rheumatology centres for symptom management — fatigue, joint pain, sicca symptoms in Sjögren's, sleep. Specific TCM formulations (tripterygium wilfordii / Lei Gong Teng) have published evidence in RA but require careful dosing and monitoring (hepatic and reproductive toxicity). We position TCM as adjunctive only with explicit drug-interaction screening; biologics and DMARDs remain the evidence-based core.

Rheumatology · 2026

Autoimmune disease care,
biologics + JAK at NMPA prices.

Comprehensive workup and management of rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, scleroderma and vasculitis. NMPA-approved biologics and JAK inhibitors at 40–60% off US pricing.

Get a written quote Top rheumatology centres

$850–1,800

Comprehensive workup

Rheumatology assessment + autoantibody panel + imaging

Partner clinic quotes 2024

Biologics

NMPA-approved

Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab biosimilars + secukinumab + risankizumab

NMPA approvals

JAK inhibitors

Available

Tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib at NMPA-listed prices

NMPA approvals

CAR-T trials

Lupus + scleroderma

China leads first-in-human autoimmune CAR-T pipeline

NMPA registry

Class A

Top centres

PUMC, Beijing Rheumatism, Shanghai Renji rheumatology

NHC ratings

Bilingual

Workup + plan

Standard discharge package + home-team handover

Service standard

Tiers & pricing

Six tiers, transparent pricing.

Diagnostic

Comprehensive workup

Rheumatology consult, ANA + ENA panel, RF / CCP, ESR / CRP, MSK ultrasound, plain films / MRI as needed.

$850–1,800

First-line biologic

TNF inhibitor biologics

Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab (originator + biosimilars). Workup + first dose + handover.

$220–550 / month

Second-line

IL-17 / IL-23 / IL-6 biologics

Secukinumab (IL-17), risankizumab (IL-23), tocilizumab (IL-6). For psoriatic arthritis, AS, RA selected.

$320–680 / month

Oral targeted

JAK inhibitors

Tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib. Boxed warning for VTE / cardiovascular - patient selection.

$280–650 / month

Specialist

Lupus / SLE care

Hydroxychloroquine + steroid + DMARD; belimumab; anifrolumab; CAR-T trial referral for refractory.

Quoted on case

Investigational

Specialist autoimmune trials

BCMA / CD19 CAR-T for refractory SLE / scleroderma / myositis. Multiple centres recruiting.

Trial-dependent

Top hospitals

Six centres
open to international patients.

Beijing

PUMC Rheumatology 北京协和医院

China's leading rheumatology · academic centre · large RA / SLE / scleroderma cohort

Beijing

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine 北京中医医院 (Rheum)

Integrative rheumatology · Western + TCM combined approach

Shanghai

Renji Hospital Rheumatology 仁济医院

Class A · large lupus and connective tissue disease cohort · CAR-T trial site

Shanghai

Huashan Hospital Rheumatology 华山医院

Class A · neurorheumatology integration · vasculitis and myositis expertise

Guangzhou

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Rheumatology 中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院

Class A · regional reference · CAR-T trial site

Multi-city

United Family Hospitals 和睦家

JCI · expat-focused · routine RA / lupus follow-up · biologic infusion

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Why China for autoimmune disease?: Three reasons: (1) Drug pricing — biologics (TNF inhibitors, IL-17, IL-23, IL-6) are NMPA-listed at 40–60% off US pricing, with deep biosimilar availability for adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab; (2) Trial pipeline — China is the world leader in autoimmune CAR-T trials (BCMA / CD19 / CD7) for refractory SLE, scleroderma, myositis and vasculitis, with the largest published case series globally; (3) Clinical volume — Class A rheumatology departments operate at scale, with deep diagnostic experience in atypical and overlapping autoimmune presentations.
What does a comprehensive autoimmune workup include?: Standard 2–3 day pathway: rheumatology consult; ANA with reflex ENA panel (anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, anti-SSA / SSB, anti-RNP, anti-Scl-70, anti-Jo-1, anti-centromere); RF + anti-CCP; ESR + CRP; complement (C3, C4, CH50); urinalysis with microscopy + protein:creatinine ratio; CBC + comprehensive metabolic; vitamin D, ferritin; targeted serology (HBV, HCV, HIV) before any biologic; pre-biologic TB screen (IGRA + chest X-ray); imaging targeted by suspected diagnosis (MSK ultrasound, plain films, MRI sacroiliac for AS, etc.). Bilingual final report mapped to ACR / EULAR / Chinese Rheumatology Association classification.
Can I start a biologic in China and continue at home?: Yes — common workflow. Pre-biologic workup (TB, HBV, HCV, vaccinations, baseline labs) at the partner centre; first or first-few doses administered; subsequent doses self-administered or via home rheumatology team. We provide bilingual prescription, vial-handling guidance, and home-team handover. Long-term continuity depends on home-country approval and reimbursement of the chosen biologic — most major TNF inhibitors and biosimilars are globally approved.
What about CAR-T for refractory autoimmune disease?: China hosts the world's largest published series of CAR-T (CD19, BCMA, CD19/22 dual-target) for refractory SLE, lupus nephritis, scleroderma, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and AAV. Published case series (Rheumatology 2022, Lancet Rheumatology 2024) suggest dramatic and durable responses in selected patients. As of 2026, CAR-T for autoimmune is investigational worldwide; in China, multiple Phase I/II trials are recruiting. Eligibility screening costs $450–$950 and typically returns 1–3 protocol matches based on disease, severity and prior therapy.
What about JAK inhibitors and the safety considerations?: JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib) are NMPA-approved and effective in RA, psoriatic arthritis, AS and atopic dermatitis. FDA / EMA / NMPA carry boxed warnings for cardiovascular events, VTE, malignancy and serious infection — based on the ORAL Surveillance trial. Patient selection: avoid in patients > 50 with cardiovascular risk factors or smokers; prefer biologic before JAK in this population. Discuss individual risk-benefit with your rheumatologist before initiating.
What about integrative TCM in autoimmune disease?: TCM is offered adjunctively at Class A rheumatology centres for symptom management — fatigue, joint pain, sicca symptoms in Sjögren's, sleep. Specific TCM formulations (tripterygium wilfordii / Lei Gong Teng) have published evidence in RA but require careful dosing and monitoring (hepatic and reproductive toxicity). We position TCM as adjunctive only with explicit drug-interaction screening; biologics and DMARDs remain the evidence-based core.

Related guides

Clinical Trials

Autoimmune CAR-T trial screening for refractory disease.

Read the guide

Dermatology

Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis with biologic management.

Read the guide

IBD Treatment

Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease with biologic therapy.

Read the guide

Records Translation

Bilingual rheumatology and serology reports.

Read the guide

Second Opinion

Independent rheumatology second opinion from $250.

Read the guide

Integrative TCM

Where TCM has evidence in autoimmune disease — and where it doesn't.

Read the guide

Send your rheumatology records
for a written treatment plan.

Upload your rheumatology assessment, antibody panel, imaging and current medication. We return a written plan from a partner rheumatologist — including biologic / JAK selection, trial eligibility if applicable, and handover plan.

Request a quote See cost comparison

This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Autoimmune disease management requires individualised assessment by a qualified rheumatologist. Biologic and CAR-T therapies carry risks that should be discussed with your treating team.

Autoimmune disease care,biologics + JAK at NMPA prices.

Six tiers, transparent pricing.

Comprehensive workup

TNF inhibitor biologics

IL-17 / IL-23 / IL-6 biologics

JAK inhibitors

Lupus / SLE care

Specialist autoimmune trials

Six centresopen to international patients.

PUMC Rheumatology 北京协和医院

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine 北京中医医院 (Rheum)

Renji Hospital Rheumatology 仁济医院

Huashan Hospital Rheumatology 华山医院

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Rheumatology 中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院

United Family Hospitals 和睦家

Frequently asked questions.

Related guides

Clinical Trials

Dermatology

IBD Treatment

Records Translation

Second Opinion

Integrative TCM

Send your rheumatology recordsfor a written treatment plan.

Autoimmune disease care,
biologics + JAK at NMPA prices.

Six centres
open to international patients.

Send your rheumatology records
for a written treatment plan.