Mercaptamine bitartrate (Procysbi®) is recommended as an option for use within NHS Wales for the treatment of proven nephropathic cystinosis. Mercaptamine bitartrate (also known as cysteamine) reduces cystine accumulation in some cells (e.g. leukocytes, muscle and liver cells) of nephropathic cystinosis patients and, when treatment is started early, it delays the development of renal failure.

This recommendation applies only in circumstances where the approved Wales Patient Access Scheme (WPAS) is utilised or where the list/contract price is equivalent or lower than the WPAS price.