The critical difference: Why saracatinib has no patient cost
The fundamental reason there is no set patient price for saracatinib is that it is not a commercially approved medication. It has not completed the full regulatory process required to be prescribed by doctors and sold in pharmacies for public consumption. Saracatinib, also known as AZD0530, was initially developed by AstraZeneca as a potential treatment for cancer. However, after disappointing results in Phase II oncology trials, its development for cancer was halted.
Since then, research has explored its potential for repurposing in other diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and Alzheimer's disease. While clinical trials for these new applications have occurred or are ongoing, the drug remains investigational. The distinction between an investigational drug and an approved medication is crucial: investigational drugs are only for use within controlled clinical trials, not for sale to the general public.
Understanding the cost for research purposes
When searching online, individuals may find prices listed for saracatinib from various chemical suppliers. These prices, often ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars for small quantities, are for research-grade chemicals intended for laboratory use, not for treating human patients. The cost is determined by factors specific to the scientific supply industry, including:
- Purity: Suppliers offer different grades of the chemical, and higher purity typically costs more.
- Quantity: The price per milligram or gram decreases significantly for bulk purchases.
- Supplier: Prices vary between different chemical vendors based on their manufacturing processes, brand reputation, and profit margins.
- Formulation: Some suppliers offer saracatinib in solid form, while others provide a solution (e.g., in DMSO) for easier lab use, each with a different price point.
Attempting to purchase and use these research chemicals for self-treatment is extremely dangerous and potentially illegal. They have not undergone the rigorous testing for safety, efficacy, and consistent manufacturing standards that the FDA requires for patient medications.
Comparison of research chemical prices
To illustrate how costs can differ, here is a comparison of research-grade saracatinib pricing from several suppliers, based on search results. It is important to remember these prices are for laboratory purposes only.
| Supplier | Pack Size | Price (USD) | Availability | Intended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adooq Bioscience | 5mg | $40.00 | In Stock | Research Only |
| 10mg | $50.00 | In Stock | Research Only | |
| 25mg | $85.00 | In Stock | Research Only | |
| Selleck Chemicals | 10mg | $147.00 | In Stock | Research Only |
| 25mg | $247.00 | In Stock | Research Only | |
| 200mg | $970.00 | In Stock | Research Only | |
| TargetMol | 10 mg | $59.00 | In Stock | Research Only |
| 25 mg | $97.00 | In Stock | Research Only | |
| 50 mg | $148.00 | In Stock | Research Only |
Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the vendor and purchase date. This table is for illustrative purposes only.
Saracatinib's path: From failed cancer treatment to promising repurposing
Saracatinib's journey highlights the complexities of modern pharmacology. It began as a promising molecule for treating various cancers, as it targets Src and Abl family kinases, which play a role in tumor growth. While early trials showed some positive results, later Phase II trials demonstrated insufficient efficacy and notable side effects, leading to its discontinuation for oncology applications.
However, researchers noted its potential for other therapeutic areas. For example, preclinical studies indicated saracatinib's ability to inhibit pathways involved in lung fibrosis, leading to its investigation for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A Phase 1b/2a clinical trial (NCT04598919), initiated in 2020, aimed to evaluate its safety, tolerability, and explore its efficacy in IPF patients. Similarly, its ability to inhibit the Fyn kinase, which is linked to Alzheimer's pathology, led to clinical studies for that condition as well. This process of finding new uses for failed or discontinued drugs is known as 'drug repurposing'.
Future outlook and access
The future availability and cost of saracatinib for patients depend entirely on the outcomes of ongoing or future clinical trials. If a trial successfully demonstrates both safety and efficacy for a specific condition, the drug could then be submitted to regulatory bodies like the FDA for approval. At that point, a commercial price would be determined, reflecting the extensive costs of research and development, manufacturing, and distribution, as well as the drug's therapeutic value. Until then, access is restricted to participants in clinical trials or through potential 'expanded access' programs for compassionate use, which are not retail sales.
For patients seeking access to investigational drugs, the correct path is always to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss eligibility for clinical trials. Websites like ClinicalTrials.gov provide detailed information on ongoing studies and their status. A reputable, evidence-based discussion of saracatinib's status can be found in academic literature, such as this review on drug repurposing: Dual Drug Repurposing: The Example of Saracatinib - PMC.
Conclusion: Focus on research, not patient cost
Ultimately, the answer to how much does saracatinib cost? depends on context. For a patient, the cost is currently non-existent because the drug is not commercially available. For researchers, the price varies based on supplier and quantity. Saracatinib's story is a compelling example of an investigational drug with a complex journey, shifting its focus from oncology to other therapeutic areas like fibrosis and neurodegenerative diseases. As long as it remains in the investigational phase, the conversation around its cost should be centered on research budgets and clinical trial funding, not patient pricing or out-of-pocket expenses.
