What is Fulphila (pegfilgrastim-jmdb)?
Fulphila is a biologic medication prescribed to cancer patients to help prevent infection during chemotherapy [1.5.3, 1.5.1]. Specifically, it's used to treat neutropenia, a condition characterized by a low count of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections [1.5.1]. When chemotherapy drugs attack cancer cells, they can also harm healthy cells, including those in the bone marrow responsible for producing white blood cells [1.5.1]. Fulphila, a man-made form of a naturally occurring substance called granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), stimulates the bone marrow to produce more neutrophils [1.5.5, 1.5.6].
It is administered as a single subcutaneous injection once per chemotherapy cycle, at least 24 hours after the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy [1.5.4]. Fulphila is a biosimilar to the reference drug Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) [1.5.5]. A biosimilar is a biological product that is highly similar to and has no clinically meaningful differences from an existing FDA-approved reference product in terms of safety, purity, and potency [1.5.6, 1.2.8]. The introduction of biosimilars like Fulphila is intended to create competition and potentially lower healthcare costs [1.6.7].
Unpacking the Cost of Fulphila
The price of Fulphila can vary dramatically based on several factors. Without insurance, the list price for a single 6 mg/0.6 mL prefilled syringe can be over $2,000. For example, prices can range from approximately $2,047 to over $3,800 depending on the pharmacy and location [1.2.5, 1.2.9]. One source cites an average retail price of $2,776.75, with coupon prices around $2,054.60 [1.2.8].
Factors Influencing Patient Cost
Several key variables determine the final out-of-pocket expense for a patient:
- Insurance Coverage: This is the most significant factor. The patient's cost depends on their specific plan, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medicare coverage for Fulphila can also vary significantly depending on the beneficiary's coverage stage (Deductible, Initial Coverage, Coverage Gap/"Donut Hole") [1.6.5].
- Pharmacy Choice: Prices for the same medication can differ between pharmacies [1.2.2, 1.6.1]. It is often beneficial for patients to compare prices at different locations.
- Geographic Location: Where a patient lives in the US can impact drug pricing [1.6.1].
- Patient Assistance Programs: The manufacturer, BioCon Biologics, offers assistance programs that can substantially lower or even eliminate out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients [1.4.1].
Fulphila vs. Neulasta: A Cost Comparison
As a biosimilar, Fulphila was introduced as a lower-cost alternative to its reference product, Neulasta. The price difference can be substantial. For a 0.6 mL syringe, the cash price for Fulphila is listed around $2,047, while the price for the same quantity of Neulasta is approximately $6,277 [1.3.1]. This represents a potential saving of over 60% by choosing the biosimilar over the brand-name biologic.
However, it's important to note that lower list prices do not always translate directly to lower costs for patients or health plans. One 2022 study found that while out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for patients using pegfilgrastim biosimilars could be lower, the overall costs to the health plan were not significantly different compared to the originator product, Neulasta [1.3.4, 1.6.2]. For example, one analysis showed patient OOP costs were $197 for Fulphila versus $192 for Neulasta [1.3.2].
Below is a table comparing key aspects of Fulphila and its reference product, Neulasta.
| Feature | Fulphila (pegfilgrastim-jmdb) | Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Type | Biosimilar, Colony Stimulating Factor [1.2.6, 1.5.5] | Biologic, Colony Stimulating Factor [1.2.6] |
| Indication | Prevents chemotherapy-induced neutropenia [1.5.7] | Prevents chemotherapy-induced neutropenia [1.2.6] |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection [1.5.4] | Subcutaneous injection, On-body injector option [1.2.6, 1.6.4] |
| Approx. Cash Price (0.6mL syringe) | ~$2,047 [1.3.1] | ~$6,277 [1.3.1] |
| Manufacturer | BioCon Biologics / Mylan [1.5.5, 1.4.1] | Amgen [1.3.3] |
Financial Assistance and Support Programs
Given the high cost of treatment, financial assistance is a critical resource for many patients. The manufacturer of Fulphila offers programs to help manage the expense.
My BioCon Biologics Program: This program is designed to provide support for patients prescribed Fulphila [1.4.1]. It includes two main components:
- Co-pay Assistance Program: For commercially insured patients, this program can reduce out-of-pocket costs to as little as $0 per prescription. There is an annual maximum benefit, which is stated as $10,000 per 12-month period [1.4.2, 1.4.3].
- Patient Assistance Program (PAP): This component is for patients who are uninsured or underinsured and cannot afford their medication. Eligible individuals may be able to receive Fulphila free of charge [1.4.1].
Patients and healthcare providers can contact My BioCon Biologics for more information on eligibility and enrollment [1.4.1, 1.4.7].
The Broader Impact of Biosimilars on Drug Costs
The introduction of pegfilgrastim biosimilars like Fulphila, Udenyca, and Ziextenzo has been associated with cost savings within the healthcare system, particularly for Medicare [1.6.3]. The availability of these lower-priced alternatives puts competitive pressure on the originator brand, Neulasta, helping to stabilize and reduce overall reimbursement rates over time [1.6.3]. This competition is a key mechanism for expanding patient access to essential therapies by making them more affordable for both payers and patients [1.6.7]. Studies have projected that the use of biosimilars could lead to savings of tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars annually [1.6.3].
Conclusion
So, how much does Fulphila cost in the US? While the list price can exceed $2,000 per dose, the final cost to the patient is highly variable [1.2.5]. It is dictated by a combination of insurance coverage, pharmacy choice, and the availability of financial aid [1.6.1]. As a biosimilar, Fulphila offers a significantly lower-priced alternative to Neulasta, contributing to cost savings across the healthcare system [1.3.1, 1.6.3]. Patients facing high out-of-pocket costs should explore the My BioCon Biologics program, which can dramatically reduce or even eliminate their financial burden for this vital cancer support medication [1.4.1, 1.4.2].
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical or financial advice. Costs are estimates and subject to change. Consult with a healthcare provider and your insurance company for personalized information. Authoritative Link: More about Fulphila
