![](http://investorshub.advfn.com/images/default_ih_profile2_4848.jpg?cb=0)
Thursday, January 17, 2013 12:10:35 PM
Make a comment
By Ed Silverman // January 17th, 2013 // 11:16 am
Earlier this month, NPS Pharmaceuticals announced that the price for its Gattex treatment for short-bowel syndrome would cost $295,000 a year, roughly three times what Wall Street had expected. This marked the fourth time in the past year that an orphan drug was approved and the price per patient was set at more than $200,000 annually. The move highlighted a growing debate about the calculations used for developing new medications designed for small patient populations and the ability of the healthcare system to afford these treatments and accommodate patients. We spoke with Randy Vogenberg, a principal at the Bentelligence consulting firm, which specializes in benefits consulting and strategic decision making, about the implications for drug makers and payers…
Pharmalot: Why are we seeing this kind of pricing?
Vogenberg: I think part of the reason is that we’re dealing with smaller patient populations than in the past and that’s the typical situation. There are hundreds instead of however many tens of thousands of patients and then we’re spreading cost among a smaller group. So unit costs rise dramatically. And there’s a Catch 22 around pricing – which is a little unique around specialty (drugs). You have a smaller number (of patients) and charging a higher price, so there’s a higher percentage of patients who can’t afford it. This means there’s greater need for unrestricted grants and patient assistant programs. So as a company, you end up paying more for your own product than in the older, traditional marketplace.
more...
http://www.biotechinvestorsnetwork.com/#!featured-article/c17ob
Recent VRTX News
- Vertex Announces Positive Results From Ongoing Phase 1/2 Study of VX-880 for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Presented at the American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific Sessions • Business Wire • 06/21/2024 07:45:00 PM
- Vertex Announces Extended Long-Term Reimbursement Agreement with NHS England for Access to Cystic Fibrosis Medicines KAFTRIO®, SYMKEVI® and ORKAMBI® • Business Wire • 06/20/2024 11:15:00 AM
- Vertex Presents Positive Long-Term Data On CASGEVY™ (exagamglogene autotemcel) at the 2024 Annual European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress • Business Wire • 06/14/2024 07:03:00 AM
- Form 4 - Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 06/13/2024 08:11:34 PM
- Form 4 - Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 06/13/2024 08:09:13 PM
- Form 144 - Report of proposed sale of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 06/12/2024 01:56:43 PM
- Form 144 - Report of proposed sale of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 06/12/2024 01:54:41 PM
- Form 4 - Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 06/07/2024 08:07:40 PM
- Vertex Presents New Data at the European Cystic Fibrosis Conference Demonstrating Significant Benefits of Treatment with TRIKAFTA® • Business Wire • 06/07/2024 04:00:00 PM
- Form 4 - Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 06/05/2024 08:11:56 PM
- Form 4 - Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 06/05/2024 08:08:55 PM
- Economic Worries May Lead To Weakness On Wall Street • IH Market News • 06/04/2024 01:10:54 PM
- Form 4 - Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 06/03/2024 08:09:13 PM
- Form 144 - Report of proposed sale of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 06/03/2024 05:56:20 PM
- Form 144 - Report of proposed sale of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 06/03/2024 05:38:56 PM
- Form 4 - Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 05/31/2024 08:19:42 PM
- Form 144 - Report of proposed sale of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 05/31/2024 02:50:29 PM
- Form 4 - Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 05/30/2024 08:07:52 PM
- Form 144 - Report of proposed sale of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 05/30/2024 03:48:25 PM
- Form 4 - Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 05/29/2024 08:08:32 PM
- Form 144 - Report of proposed sale of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 05/29/2024 02:05:44 PM
- Form 144 - Report of proposed sale of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 05/28/2024 02:51:13 PM
- Form 4 - Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 05/24/2024 08:13:03 PM
- Form 144 - Report of proposed sale of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 05/24/2024 05:13:44 PM
- Form 4 - Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 05/22/2024 08:21:45 PM
Mass Megawatts Announces $220,500 Debt Cancellation Agreement to Improve Financing and Sales of a New Product to be Announced on July 11 • MMMW • Jun 28, 2024 7:30 AM
VAYK Exited Caribbean Investments for $320,000 Profit • VAYK • Jun 27, 2024 9:00 AM
North Bay Resources Announces Successful Flotation Cell Test at Bishop Gold Mill, Inyo County, California • NBRI • Jun 27, 2024 9:00 AM
Branded Legacy, Inc. and Hemp Emu Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance CBD Product Manufacturing • BLEG • Jun 27, 2024 8:30 AM
POET Wins "Best Optical AI Solution" in 2024 AI Breakthrough Awards Program • POET • Jun 26, 2024 10:09 AM
HealthLynked Promotes Bill Crupi to Chief Operating Officer • HLYK • Jun 26, 2024 8:00 AM