Cherry,
Thanks for the information on off-label use for approved drugs. I’ve always believed DCVax will not only work across multiple cancers but also for early-stage tumors as well. Off-label can be a path. Given DCVax-L will almost certainly be approved for GBM (grade 4) brain tumors and in fact become standard of care quickly, these same oncologists will most likely recommend it for lower grade brain tumors (grades 1, 2, 3) as well.
Even grade 2 brain tumors are described as “likely to come back after treatment” and grade 3 as “rapidly dividing cells.” So, I think not just oncologists but these patients will also demand DCVax as a prophylactic (preventative) vaccine, given its efficacy and non-toxic profile.
It also offers the hope for “cure” and a peace of mind. Results showing a 2X increase in long tail survival for GBM implies not only strong efficacy but that a long-term immune memory is created to protect against recurrence.
Maybe this new DCVax paradigm of a personalized, single batch mfg for multi-year treatments means we also get a new drug pricing paradigm, a pay-as-you go pricing. Align the incentives. Doctor/patient will continue to use it as long as it continues to work. And as long as it works, healthcare insurance companies saves money on prevention.
Strawman pricing model
- Yr 0: Upfront mfg (fully loaded cost), $40K
- Yr 1: Primary 7 injections, $70K
- Yr 2: booster 2 injections, $20K
- Yr 3: booster 2 injections, $20K
Total Price, average: $150K (US price $200K, EU price $100K)
Gross margin: 73% (MRK 70%, BMY 79%, Roche 68%)
Assuming 11 injections over 3 years: $10K per injection
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