Understanding Briumvi and Its Role in MS Treatment
Briumvi (ublituximab-xiiy) is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults [1.6.5]. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies [1.3.1]. These therapies work by targeting and depleting specific B-cells, a type of immune cell that plays a significant role in the inflammation and damage to the nervous system seen in MS. Briumvi is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion every 24 weeks after the initial dosing schedule [1.5.1]. A notable feature of Briumvi is its one-hour infusion time, which is shorter than some other similar treatments like Ocrevus [1.3.1].
The List Price: What Is the Cost of Briumvi Without Insurance?
Without insurance, the annual list price for Briumvi is approximately $59,000 [1.3.1, 1.3.3]. This price positioning makes it the lowest-priced branded disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for MS currently on the market [1.3.1]. The price for a single 150 mg/6 mL intravenous solution is around $10,860, and a full course of treatment involves multiple infusions [1.2.2]. It is crucial to understand that this list price, also known as the wholesale acquisition cost, does not typically include the additional costs associated with administering the infusion. These can include fees for the hospital or infusion center, healthcare provider services, and any necessary pre-medications, which can add thousands of dollars to the total annual expense [1.5.4].
Factors Influencing the Final Cost
Several variables can affect what a patient ultimately pays for Briumvi treatment:
- Infusion Site: The location where the infusion is administered plays a major role in overall cost. Hospital outpatient departments often have the highest markups, sometimes as much as 500%, while ambulatory infusion centers (AICs) and home infusions can be significantly more cost-effective [1.5.3].
- Pharmacy and Location: Prices for the medication itself can vary between different pharmacies and geographical locations. Using prescription discount cards may offer some savings for cash-paying customers [1.2.3].
- Dosage and Frequency: While Briumvi has a standard dosing schedule, any deviation or additional required treatments could impact the annual cost.
Financial Assistance and Support Programs
Given the high cost of MS therapies, the manufacturer of Briumvi, TG Therapeutics, offers a comprehensive patient support program called BRIUMVI Patient Support [1.7.1]. This program is designed to help patients navigate the complexities of insurance and affordability.
Key features of the program include:
- Dedicated Case Managers: A single point of contact to guide patients through their treatment journey [1.4.1].
- Insurance Support: Assistance in understanding insurance coverage and finding in-network infusion centers [1.7.1].
- BRIUMVI Copay Assistance Program: For patients with commercial insurance, this program can reduce out-of-pocket costs to as little as $0 per treatment, with an annual maximum benefit of $20,000 [1.4.3, 1.4.4]. It may also help cover infusion-related costs [1.2.4].
- Patient Assistance Program (PAP): For uninsured or underinsured patients who meet specific financial criteria, this program may provide Briumvi at no cost [1.7.2, 1.7.6]. Eligibility is based on household income and size; for example, a household of one person with an annual gross income of $100,000 or less may qualify [1.4.4].
- Quick Start Program: Patients facing delays in insurance coverage might be eligible to receive their first two doses at no cost to avoid a gap in treatment [1.7.2].
Patients and healthcare providers can enroll by submitting a Start Form, and more information is available by calling 1-833-BRIUMVI (1-833-274-8684) [1.4.1].
Comparison with Alternative MS Infusion Therapies
The landscape of MS treatments includes several other infusion therapies. Comparing their costs is complex, as it involves both the drug's list price and administration fees.
| Medication | Administration Schedule | Annual List Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Briumvi (ublituximab-xiiy) | Every 6 months | $59,000 [1.3.1] |
| Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) | Every 6 months | $68,000 - $78,858 [1.6.3, 1.6.2] |
| Tysabri (natalizumab) | Every 4 weeks | ~$93,800 (Real-world cost) [1.5.7] |
| Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) | 5 days, then 3 days a year later | ~$121,000 (Real-world cost) [1.5.7] |
Note: Real-world costs can be higher than list prices due to administration and other fees [1.5.2].
Briumvi was launched with a pricing strategy to be more competitive than Ocrevus, its closest competitor in the anti-CD20 class [1.6.3]. While Ocrevus has a higher list price, both drugs have patient support programs that can significantly lower a patient's out-of-pocket expense.
Conclusion
The question, 'How much does Briumvi cost without insurance?' reveals a straightforward list price of about $59,000 per year, making it the most affordable branded MS DMT [1.3.1]. However, this figure is just the starting point. The total cost is significantly influenced by infusion administration fees, which vary by site [1.5.3]. For patients without insurance, the most viable path to accessing this medication is likely through the Patient Assistance Program offered by TG Therapeutics, which may provide the drug at no cost to those who meet the financial eligibility requirements [1.7.2]. Navigating these options with the help of a healthcare provider and the BRIUMVI Patient Support team is essential to managing the cost of this vital treatment.
