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AetnaCommercial · Prior Auth · Medical Policy · Hematology, Neurology, NephrologyMedium impact

Eculizumab (CPB 0807, reviewed 2026-08-11)

Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Aug 13, 2026

Summary

Aetna considers eculizumab (Soliris), eculizumab-aeeb (Bkemv) and eculizumab-aagh (Epysqli) medically necessary for commercial medical plans when the criteria for the indication are met. Bkemv and Epysqli are biosimilars to Soliris and carry the same labeled indications except for NMOSD and pediatric gMG. Precertification is required of all Aetna participating providers and members in applicable plan designs. Medicare criteria are listed separately under Medicare Part B Criteria. For atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) not caused by Shiga toxin, the member must have ADAMTS 13 activity above 5%, no Shiga toxin, and the drug will not be used in combination with another complement inhibitor such as Ultomiris. For paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), the diagnosis must be confirmed by flow cytometry showing deficiency of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-APs), the member must have clinical manifestations such as LDH greater than 1.5 times the upper limit of normal, thrombosis, renal dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension or dysphagia, and the drug will not be used with another complement inhibitor (concomitant use with Voydeya is allowed). For generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), the member must be anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody positive, have MGFA clinical classification II to IV, have an MG-ADL total score of 5 or greater, and have either an inadequate response or intolerable adverse event to at least two immunosuppressive therapies over at least 12 months, an inadequate response or intolerable adverse event to one immunosuppressive therapy plus IVIG over at least 12 months, or a documented clinical reason to avoid immunosuppressive agents and IVIG. The drug will not be used with another complement inhibitor, a neonatal Fc receptor blocker, or Uplizna. For neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), the member must be anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive, show one of the listed core clinical characteristics, and not receive other biologics for NMOSD. Continuation of therapy requires no evidence of unacceptable toxicity or disease progression and a positive response to therapy for each indication. Aetna considers eculizumab experimental, investigational or unproven for other indications, including IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Soliris, Bkemv and Epysqli are not indicated for Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS).

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What to do

Action · 9 steps
01Obtain precertification for eculizumab, Bkemv or Epysqli in applicable plan designs by calling (866) 752-7021 or faxing (888) 267-3277, using the Statement of Medical Necessity forms under Specialty Pharmacy Precertification.
02Site of care for these infusions is governed by the Utilization Management Policy on Site of Care for Specialty Drug Infusions, which applies to these drugs.
03For gMG and NMOSD, the medication must be prescribed by or in consultation with a neurologist.
04Requests need documentation that the member meets the criteria for the indication, such as anti-AChR or anti-AQP4 antibody results, flow cytometry showing GPI-AP deficiency for PNH, MG-ADL scores and prior immunosuppressive therapy history for gMG, and documented response to therapy for reauthorization.
05Documentation must show the drug is not used with another complement inhibitor, or for gMG and NMOSD with the other listed biologics.
06Claims for aHUS (ICD-10 D59.30 through D59.39, covered for aHUS without serious unresolved Neisseria meningitis infection and not covered for STEC-HUS), PNH (D59.5), neuromyelitis optica (G36.0) and myasthenia gravis (G70.00 to G70.01) are covered when the criteria are met.
07The policy lists HCPCS J1299 (eculizumab, 2 mg), Q5151 (eculizumab-aagh, Epysqli, biosimilar, 2 mg) and Q5152 (eculizumab-aeeb, Bkemv, biosimilar, 2 mg) as covered codes when criteria are met.
08Approvals may be subject to dosing limits per FDA-approved labeling, accepted compendia and/or evidence-based practice guidelines, and Medical Specialty Medication Quantity Limits apply.
09For pediatric aHUS and gMG, dosing follows the weight-based table in the policy.

Codes mentioned

J1299Q5151Q5152D59.30D59.39D59.5G36.0G70.00G70.01

Original notice

Eculizumab (CPB 0807, reviewed 2026-08-11)
aetna.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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