Tag: Specialty drugs

A 2024 study in *JAMA* estimated the median cost of bringing a new drug to market at nearly $1 billion, and for biologic drugs like Bimzelx, this figure can be even higher, contributing significantly to its expensive price. The high price tag of specialized medications is a significant barrier for many patients, prompting the question, 'Why is Bimzelx so expensive?'

Without insurance, the list price for a 30-day supply of Tagrisso (osimertinib) can exceed $17,000, and sometimes over $30,000 in the US, making it one of the most expensive specialty medications on the market. Understanding what is the price of Tagrisso requires navigating factors like insurance coverage, manufacturer programs, and other discounts.

Accounting for a disproportionately large share of total drug spending—often over 50% despite representing a small fraction of prescriptions—specialty drugs are a critical and growing area of modern medicine. This guide helps answer the complex question: **Which drugs are considered specialty drugs?**

Specialty drugs now account for 51% of total prescription drug spending, despite being used by only about 2% of the population [1.3.1]. Understanding **what qualifies as a specialty medication** is crucial for patients navigating complex and chronic health conditions [1.2.1].

Over 50% of prescription drug spending in the U.S. is on specialty drugs, though they are used by only 2.5% of patients [1.6.3]. This article answers 'How much does Kebilidi cost in the US?' by examining the pricing of comparable specialty biologics.

Handling about 20% of all pharmaceuticals sold in the United States, Cencora is a pivotal force in the healthcare supply chain. So, a better question than 'What drugs does Cencora make?' is 'What drugs does Cencora *distribute*?'

According to a 2024 survey, physicians and their staff spend approximately 12 hours each week requesting prior authorizations, highlighting the prevalence of this insurance requirement. Understanding what medications require prior authorization is crucial for patients to avoid treatment delays and unexpected costs. Prior authorization, often called a PA, is an insurance company's way of verifying that a prescribed medication is medically necessary before agreeing to cover the cost.