Tag: Drug pricing

According to a 2024 analysis, the average annual cost of care for an individual living with ALS can increase significantly as the disease progresses, with costs climbing over $120,000 in the late stages. This raises a critical question for many patients and families: **Are ALS medications expensive?** For many of the newer, specialized treatments, the answer is a resounding yes.

When it was launched, the annual list price for Trikafta was over $311,000. However, the answer to **how much does Trikafta cost** for an individual patient is far more complex, as several factors, including insurance coverage and patient assistance programs, significantly influence the final out-of-pocket expense. This article breaks down the convoluted pricing structure and explores avenues for financial support.

With a list price of approximately $2,300 per treatment as of early 2025, many patients and healthcare providers ask: why does Vabysmo cost so much?. The answer lies in the complex ecosystem of pharmaceutical pricing, which includes everything from advanced research and development to market competition and distribution costs.

According to Novartis, the manufacturer of Leqvio, the wholesale acquisition cost for uninsured patients is over $3,500 per dose, creating significant sticker shock for many. This high price tag leaves many patients and healthcare providers asking: why is Leqvio so expensive? The answer lies in a complex interplay of research costs, novel technology, patent protection, and market dynamics.

As of late 2024 and into 2025, the one-time gene therapy Lenmeldy (atidarsagene autotemcel) for metachromatic leukodystrophy holds the title of the most expensive infusion drug, with a staggering list price of $4.25 million. This represents a new peak in the rapidly evolving landscape of ultra-high-cost pharmaceuticals, dominated by groundbreaking gene therapies for rare genetic diseases.

According to a 2023 survey, over 75% of consumers believe that widely used prescription drugs should be made available over-the-counter (OTC) to lower costs. However, the question, "Is prescription cheaper than over the counter?" does not have a simple yes or no answer and is often more complex than people realize, depending heavily on your insurance coverage and the specific drug.

As of late 2025, Eli Lilly offers Zepbound vials for as low as $349 per month for eligible patients paying cash through its LillyDirect Self-Pay program. This direct-to-consumer option provides a significantly lower cost for individuals whose insurance does not cover the medication, directly addressing the common question, 'How much is Zepbound on Lilly Direct?'.

Priced at $4.25 million for a single infusion, Kyowa Kirin's Lenmeldy is currently the most expensive drug substance in the world. This one-time gene therapy is a groundbreaking treatment for the ultra-rare genetic disorder metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), highlighting the high costs associated with advanced therapeutic innovation.

The average annual cost for a specialty drug prescription now exceeds $84,000, creating significant financial challenges for patients and health plans. Understanding **what are high cost drugs** is essential to grasp the complex factors fueling the rise in healthcare spending and the difficulties many face in accessing vital treatments.

Over 80% of Americans are worried about rising prescription drug costs. GoodRx has emerged as a popular solution for consumers seeking lower medication prices, but many wonder: **How do pharmacies make money with GoodRx**? This article delves into the complex financial relationship between pharmacies, GoodRx, and the broader pharmaceutical ecosystem.