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How much does Takhzyro cost per month?

4 min read

The list price for Takhzyro can be over $50,000 per month, reflecting the high cost associated with specialty biologic medications for rare diseases like hereditary angioedema (HAE). For many patients, knowing how much Takhzyro costs per month is critical for managing their healthcare budget.

Quick Summary

The monthly list price for Takhzyro is substantial and depends on dosage frequency, but this figure is rarely paid by patients. Insurance coverage, dose frequency, and financial assistance programs dramatically lower out-of-pocket costs.

Key Points

  • High List Price: The list price for Takhzyro can exceed $50,000 per month, reflecting its status as a specialty biologic drug for a rare condition.

  • Dosing Determines Cost: The monthly cost is directly tied to the dosing schedule; a patient on a bi-weekly injection schedule will have a higher list price than one on a four-week schedule.

  • Insurance Is Key: The majority of insured patients pay a fraction of the list price, with costs depending on their specific plan, deductible, and copayments.

  • Manufacturer Financial Assistance: Takeda offers robust patient support programs, including copay assistance for commercially insured patients and a Quick Start program for immediate access.

  • Patient Assistance Programs: Uninsured or low-income patients may be eligible for Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) that provide the medication at little or no cost.

  • Comparison with Competitors: Takhzyro's price is comparable to other HAE prophylactic treatments like Haegarda and Cinryze, though administration and total treatment costs can differ.

In This Article

Understanding the List Price and Its Limitations

First, it's crucial to understand the difference between a drug's list price and the out-of-pocket cost a patient actually pays. The list price is the public price set by the manufacturer, which is almost never what an individual pays. A variety of factors, including insurance, dosage, and financial assistance, come into play to determine the final cost.

List Price of Takhzyro

According to data from various sources, the monthly list price for Takhzyro is significant, largely due to its status as a specialty biologic drug. For instance, in one analysis, the cost was reported to be $52,968 per month. The list price per single-use vial (300 mg/2 mL) is approximately $25,749. For patients on the more frequent dosing schedule of one injection every two weeks, this equates to two vials per month.

Here’s a breakdown of the list price based on the two common dosing schedules:

  • Recommended Starting Dose (Every 2 Weeks): For patients receiving an injection every two weeks, the monthly list price is based on two vials. This can result in a monthly list price of over $50,000.
  • Maintenance Dose (Every 4 Weeks): Some patients with well-controlled HAE may be able to extend their dosing to one injection every four weeks after six months. This effectively halves the annual list price and, consequently, the monthly figure based on list price.

Factors That Influence Out-of-Pocket Costs

While the list price is a startling figure, most patients do not pay this amount. The final out-of-pocket expense is influenced by a complex web of factors.

Health Insurance Coverage

For insured patients, the cost of Takhzyro depends on their specific health plan. Many commercial and government insurance plans (like Medicare) may cover the drug, but they often require prior authorization, which is a process where the insurer reviews and approves the medication.

  • Commercial Insurance: Many commercially insured patients utilize copay assistance programs offered by the manufacturer (Takeda). These programs can cover up to 100% of out-of-pocket copay costs for eligible patients, with maximum annual limits.
  • Medicare: Medicare coverage for Takhzyro varies by plan. Patients can expect to face significant costs during the deductible and coverage gap phases, though costs are drastically reduced during the catastrophic coverage phase. Cost-sharing obligations differ based on individual plan structures.

Patient Location and Administration

The cost can also vary based on where the medication is administered. Patients who self-inject at home may have different costs than those who receive injections at a clinic or doctor’s office. Office visits can involve additional charges for administration fees that are not covered by the standard drug price.

Patient Assistance Programs

For eligible patients, especially those without adequate insurance or with low income, Takeda offers several patient assistance and support programs. These programs can significantly reduce or even eliminate out-of-pocket costs.

Takhzyro Patient Support Programs:

  • Copay Assistance Program: This program is for commercially insured patients and can help cover out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Quick Start Program: For commercially insured patients, this program provides up to two months of Takhzyro at no cost while insurance benefits are being investigated and approved.
  • Patient Assistance Program (PAP): This program is designed for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet specific eligibility criteria, often related to income level.

Comparison with Other HAE Prophylaxis Treatments

To put the cost of Takhzyro into perspective, it's useful to compare it with other prophylactic treatments for hereditary angioedema. Costs for these specialty drugs can be substantial across the board, and comparisons often involve weighing different mechanisms, administration methods, and dosing frequencies.

Cost Comparison Table

Drug (Trade Name) Active Ingredient Type Administration List Price (Annual) Notes
Takhzyro Lanadelumab Monoclonal Antibody Subcutaneous Injection (Every 2 or 4 weeks) $533,988 (Every 2 weeks) Often lower with patient assistance and insurance
Haegarda C1 Esterase Inhibitor Plasma-Derived Subcutaneous Injection (Twice a week) ~$246,919 (after 6 months) Real-world cost data suggests lower costs compared to Takhzyro in some cases
Cinryze C1 Esterase Inhibitor Plasma-Derived Intravenous (Every 3 or 4 days) ~$363,795 Requires intravenous administration at a clinic or infusion center

Note: Costs are based on different data sources and may vary based on market and dosing frequency. Patient-specific out-of-pocket expenses are typically much lower due to insurance and assistance programs.

The Real-World Impact of Financial Assistance

For many HAE patients, financial assistance programs are not just a benefit—they are a necessity. These programs help bridge the gap between high list prices and what patients can realistically afford. By covering copayments, providing free medication during insurance delays, and offering comprehensive support, manufacturers and third-party organizations ensure access to life-changing therapies like Takhzyro.

A 2023 study published in Angioedema News analyzed long-term Takhzyro treatment costs for commercially insured patients. The analysis found that after an initial six-month period, the costs of Takhzyro were significantly reduced. This suggests that patient out-of-pocket costs tend to decrease over time as insurance coverage stabilizes and patient support programs are fully utilized. The manufacturer's investment in patient support is a recognition of the significant financial burden this rare disease imposes on individuals and families.

Conclusion

While the sticker shock of Takhzyro's six-figure annual list price is undeniable, the actual cost to patients is a much more nuanced picture. How much does Takhzyro cost per month? The answer is that it varies widely, but it is often significantly less than the list price suggests. Factors such as insurance coverage, dosage schedule, and comprehensive manufacturer-sponsored patient support programs play a critical role in determining the final out-of-pocket expense. For individuals with hereditary angioedema, navigating these financial complexities with the help of healthcare providers and support specialists is key to accessing and affording this important prophylactic treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The list price of Takhzyro varies based on the dosing frequency. For the typical starting dose of one injection every two weeks, the monthly list price can be over $50,000. For patients on a four-week schedule, this cost is effectively halved.

Your out-of-pocket cost with insurance is determined by your specific health plan. Factors like your deductible, copayment, and whether your plan requires prior authorization will influence your final cost. The Takeda Patient Support Copay Assistance Program can cover many or all of these costs for commercially insured patients.

The Takhzyro Quick Start Program provides eligible commercially insured patients with immediate access to the medication for up to two months at no cost. This helps ensure treatment isn't delayed while commercial insurance coverage is being determined.

Yes, Takeda Patient Support offers patient assistance programs (PAPs) for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet certain eligibility requirements. These programs can provide cost-free or discounted medicines.

The recommended starting dose for Takhzyro is a subcutaneous injection every two weeks. For patients with well-controlled HAE who have been attack-free for over six months, the dose can be extended to every four weeks.

Medicare coverage for Takhzyro is possible, but it depends on your specific plan's benefits and stage of coverage. Costs can be high during the deductible and coverage gap phases but may be significantly lower in the catastrophic coverage stage. Prior authorization is often required.

Takhzyro's list price is substantial, but so are the list prices of other HAE prophylactic treatments like Haegarda and Cinryze. Takhzyro's total cost can be comparable or higher than alternatives, depending on the specific dosing and patient support programs utilized.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.