Most Expensive Single-Dose or Short-Term Treatment Medications (as of May 6, 2024)
The high cost of prescription drugs is a major concern, particularly for medications that treat rare or life-threatening conditions. This article focuses on the most expensive single-dose or short-term treatment medications, where the cost is often calculated per treatment or per month of use, rather than per pill.
Focusing on Single-Dose/Short-Term Costs:
Drug prices can be presented in various ways, like cost per pill, monthly supply, or even a one-time treatment cost. Here, we'll explore medications with the highest single-dose or short-term treatment costs, highlighting the significant financial burden they can place on patients.
The High-Cost Club:
Zolgensma (Onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi): This gene therapy treats spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by replacing a defective gene. While a life-saving treatment, a single dose can cost up to $2.1 million (source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7029319/).
Skysona (elivaldogene autotemcel): This newer gene therapy treats cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD), a rare and fatal neurological disorder. Due to its limited availability and complex treatment process, Skysona can cost around $3 million per treatment (source: Xconomy, https://lifesciencesintelligence.com/news/bluebirds-gene-therapy-costs-3-million-per-treatment).
Soliris (Eculizumab): This medication treats two rare blood disorders and works by inhibiting a protein that destroys red blood cells. A year's supply of Soliris can cost up to $700,000 (source: Drugs.com, https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/soliris).
Cerdelga (Eliglustat): Used for Gaucher disease, a rare genetic disorder, Cerdelga reduces the buildup of fatty substances in the body. A year's treatment can reach $360,000 (source: WebMD, https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/eliglustat-cerdelga/).
Spinraza (Nusinersen): This medication treats SMA by modifying a gene that affects muscle function. Each injection of Spinraza can cost up to $125,000 (source: The Pharmaceutical Journal, https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN1RF2R5/).
(Please note: Drug prices can fluctuate. These figures are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the latest costs.)
Why Such High Costs?
Several factors contribute to the high costs of these medications:
Research & Development: Developing new drugs, especially for rare diseases, involves extensive research, clinical trials, and a high risk of failure. These costs are factored into the final drug price.
Drug Development Timelines: It can take many years and significant resources to bring a new drug to market. This extended development period contributes to the overall cost.
Rarity of Diseases: Treating rare diseases often requires specialized medications with limited patient populations. This can lead to higher prices due to lower production volume and recoupment of development costs.
The high cost of these medications creates a significant financial burden for patients and healthcare systems. Ongoing efforts are underway to address this issue, including exploring alternative pricing models, increasing research funding for rare diseases, and promoting drug affordability initiatives.
In recent years, the cost of prescription drugs has risen dramatically, leaving many patients struggling to afford their medications. Some drugs, in particular, have reached astronomical prices, with pills that cost over $600 each. In this article, we'll take a look at the ten most expensive pills currently available on the market.
Actimmune - $50,000 per month
Actimmune is a drug used to treat a rare genetic disorder called chronic granulomatous disease. The drug works by stimulating the immune system to fight off infections. However, this comes at a steep cost - a monthly supply of Actimmune can cost up to $50,000.
Daraprim - $750 per pill
Daraprim is an antiparasitic medication used to treat toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a parasite found in contaminated meat or cat feces. In 2015, the price of Daraprim skyrocketed overnight from $13.50 to $750 per pill, making it one of the most infamous cases of drug price gouging in recent history.
Myalept - $71,306 per month
Myalept is a drug used to treat a rare genetic disorder called generalized lipodystrophy. This disorder causes a loss of body fat, which can lead to severe metabolic problems. A month's supply of Myalept costs a staggering $71,306.
Soliris - $700,000 per year
Soliris is a drug used to treat two rare blood disorders, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. The drug works by inhibiting a protein that destroys red blood cells. However, this life-saving medication comes at a steep cost - a year's supply of Soliris can cost up to $700,000.
Spinraza - $125,000 per injection
Spinraza is a drug used to treat spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disorder that affects muscle strength and movement. The drug is administered via injection into the spinal canal. However, each injection of Spinraza can cost up to $125,000, making it one of the most expensive drugs on the market.
Chenodal - $42,570 per month
Chenodal is a medication used to dissolve gallstones in patients who are unable to undergo surgery. The drug works by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. However, a month's supply of Chenodal can cost up to $42,570.
Ravicti - $43,416 per month
Ravicti is a medication used to treat urea cycle disorders, a rare genetic condition that causes the buildup of toxic ammonia in the blood. The drug works by helping the body eliminate excess ammonia. However, the cost of a monthly supply of Ravicti can reach up to $43,416.
Takhzyro - $6,000 per dose
Takhzyro is a medication used to treat hereditary angioedema, a rare genetic disorder that causes swelling in various parts of the body. The drug works by inhibiting a protein that causes swelling. However, each dose of Takhzyro can cost up to $6,000.
Cerdelga - $360,000 per year
Cerdelga is a medication used to treat Gaucher disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes the buildup of fatty substances in the organs. The drug works by reducing the amount of fatty substances in the body. However, a year's supply of Cerdelga can cost up to $360,000.
Zolgensma - $2.1 million per treatment
Zolgensma is a gene therapy used to treat spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disorder that affects muscle strength and movement. The therapy works by replacing a missing or defective gene with a healthy one. However, the cost of a single treatment of Zolgensma can reach up to $2.1 million, making it the most expensive drug in the world.
What are 5 most expensive pills/drugs in India
The cost of prescription drugs in India can also be a significant burden for patients, especially those with chronic or rare diseases. Here are five of the most expensive pills or drugs in India:
Soliris - Rs 6.50 crore per year
Soliris is a drug used to treat two rare blood disorders, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. The drug works by inhibiting a protein that destroys red blood cells. A year's supply of Soliris in India can cost up to Rs 6.50 crore, making it one of the most expensive drugs in the country.
Folotyn - Rs 3.5 lakh per vial
Folotyn is a chemotherapy drug used to treat peripheral T-cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. The drug works by killing cancer cells. However, each vial of Folotyn can cost up to Rs 3.5 lakh, making it one of the most expensive chemotherapy drugs in India.
Takhzyro - Rs 5 lakh per dose
Takhzyro is a medication used to treat hereditary angioedema, a rare genetic disorder that causes swelling in various parts of the body. The drug works by inhibiting a protein that causes swelling. However, each dose of Takhzyro can cost up to Rs 5 lakh in India.
Actimmune - Rs 25 lakh per month
Actimmune is a drug used to treat a rare genetic disorder called chronic granulomatous disease. The drug works by stimulating the immune system to fight off infections. However, a monthly supply of Actimmune in India can cost up to Rs 25 lakh.
Naglazyme - Rs 1.2 crore per year
Naglazyme is a medication used to treat a rare genetic disorder called mucopolysaccharidosis VI. The drug works by replacing a missing or defective enzyme in the body. However, a year's supply of Naglazyme in India can cost up to Rs 1.2 crore.
The cost of prescription drugs in India can also be a significant burden for patients, particularly for those who require specialized and rare treatments. It is essential to continue to explore ways to make these drugs more accessible and affordable for those who need them.
The cost of prescription drugs can be staggering, with some medications costing hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. These high prices can be a significant barrier for patients who need these drugs to manage their conditions, leading to difficult decisions about healthcare priorities and financial strain. It is essential to continue to explore ways to make these drugs more accessible and affordable for those who need them.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article on the most expensive pills/drugs is for educational purposes only. The prices mentioned may vary depending on the location, the pharmacy, and other factors. This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We recommend that you consult your healthcare provider or visit your local medicine store for more information on the cost and availability of these medications. The sources used to compile this information may also have different pricing information or data that may have changed since this article's publication. Therefore, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.
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