THIS is disgusting!! But hardly surprising!
A drug that is essential to prevent premature births just went from $10 a shot to $1500!!!
What happened? Well the drug has been custom-compounded for years, and recently the March of Dimes and many obstetricians advocated for one company being given the "contract" to manufacture it exclusively. Why would they do that? Well the idea was, since it was compounded, the thought was that it would be more readily available and more consistent in it's quality. So....the contract was won by KV Pharmaceutical of suburban St.Louis. This contract gives them exclusive rights to sell the drug, known as "Makena", in the US.
The excuse for the increase in price? "The cost is justified to avoid the mental and physical disabilities that can come with very premature births, said KV Pharmaceutical chief executive Gregory J. Divis Jr. The cost of care for a preemie is estimated at $51,000 in the first year alone." according to AP.
Seriously? Big Pharma for years has been screaming that the cost of research and development was the reason prescription drugs were so expensive....but here the R&D was already done! Can't use that excuse, so they say it's worth it because of the possible outcomes?
Now, in their defense, KV Pharmaceutical has said they will set up a program to get the drug to women that cannot afford these prices will get the drug "at little or no cost". But I will tell you, as a case manager, I have helped many people get needed drugs from pharmaceutical companies....and believe me, it's not easy! Income requirements are often VERY low and many will exclude you if you have any insurance coverage, even if there is no drug benefit!
At this point no one is sure what's going to happen. Aetna has said they will continue to pay for the drug, even at the high price. Aetna estimates it will cost them around $30 million more annually (and you know that cost will be passed on to subscribers!). It's unclear if Medicaid programs will continue to pay for what is essentially a brand drug, although they did cover the drug as a generic.
Think the price will come down if there's enough protest? Ha! No! Hell, as health care costs go up, they'll probably increase their prices too! No, KV has won the golden goose....and they are going to make damn sure they get every golden egg they are entitled to!
"Last month, KV sent cease-and-desist letters to compounding pharmacies, telling them they could face FDA enforcement actions if they kept making the drug." (AP)
Like I said....disgusting...but hardly surprising.
