Tag: Qalsody

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.

Biogen has set the wholesale acquisition cost for a single dose of Tofersen, also known as Qalsody, at $14,230. This steep price makes understanding **how much does a Tofersen injection cost** a critical concern for patients and their families seeking treatment for SOD1-ALS.

In the United States, approximately 2% of ALS cases are the genetic form known as SOD1-ALS [1.8.3]. For these patients, a targeted therapy approved in 2023 represents a major advancement. So, what is the newest drug for ALS, and how does it fit into the evolving landscape of treatment?

Tofersen, an antisense oligonucleotide marketed as Qalsody, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of SOD1-ALS, a rare and devastating form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Like all potent medications, it is associated with a range of potential side effects, from common discomforts to serious neurological complications.

In a combined analysis of the VALOR trial and its open-label extension, starting tofersen earlier slowed the decline in clinical function, respiratory function, and muscle strength in SOD1-ALS patients compared to delayed initiation. This critical finding helps clarify **how effective is tofersen** beyond the initial trial results.

According to manufacturer Biogen, the wholesale acquisition cost for a single vial of Qalsody (tofersen) is $14,230. This puts the first-year list price for tofersen at nearly $200,000, creating significant discussion around the cost of this rare disease treatment.