Replies to post #228491 on Biotech Values

[apljack]

Drug price reform: Hello Geoff, good to see you are still around lurking. I have no issues with your post. I'd want to add that the issue of price gouging for established drugs is more likely driving the populist rage with regard to this issue. Pricing on standard and old drugs like insulin and epipens has skyrocketed, generating the push for reform.

[Whalatane]

Well there are market realities also ...re pricing
Take the case of the PSCK9's ...for CAD patients . Originally launched at around $14,000 a yr . Insurers erected numerous hurdles enabling them to deny coverage ...drug manufacturers backed down a year or so later ...negotiated easier access in exchange for lower prices .

PSCK9's ( Repatha etc ) dropped down to about $5,400 a yr cost to health care providers and a lot more patients ( my self included ) obtained coverage.

Not all drugs are outrageously priced .
Amarins drug Vascepa ( CAD patients ) is a bargain at around $1,400 a yr to health providers since the average yearly cost in healthcare services for its key patient population ...diabetics on optimal statin therapy with a previous CV event is around $5,000 a yr. ....ICER report .
In fact Amarin could double the price it charges for this key population and health providers / insurers would still save $
JMO
Kiwi