RGA Reinsurance Company, a subsidiary of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated, (NYSE: RGA) today released a report identifying 183 high-cost specialty drugs, defined as costing greater than $50,000 annually or $7,000 monthly, based on wholesale acquisition costs (WAC) of each product identified. The report and accompanying management tool serve as a resource to educate and inform healthcare professionals about high-cost drugs.
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Of the 183 drugs on the list, 126 (69%) cost more than $100,000 per year, and 48 of those (26%) cost more than $200,000 annually. The most expensive drugs in annual cost include:
- Glybera, which is indicated for the treatment of lipoprotein lipase deficiency ($1,210,000). This product is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but is available in Europe.
- Ravicti, indicated for the treatment of urea cycle disorders ($793,632)
- Lumizyme, indicated for the treatment of Pompe’s Disease ($626,400)
- Carbaglu, indicated for hyperammonemia ($585,408)
- Actimmune, for the treatment of severe, malignant osteopetrosis and chronic granulomatous disease ($572,292).
According to the report, hemophilia and related disorders are some of the most expensive diseases to treat medicinally. Treatment options include, 34 different specialty drugs listed at $100,000 or more per year. RGA’s report, which is available to the company’s clients, includes a detailed analysis and disease breakout on hemophilia drug costs.
