Desferal cost?

Average Desferal Cost and Pricing Information

Desferal, also known as deferoxamine mesylate, is a medication used to treat iron overload in patients with certain medical conditions, such as hemochromatosis or thalassemia major [1]. The cost of Desferal can vary depending on several factors, including the country, pharmacy, and dosage strength.

Average Wholesale Price in the United States

According to Medscape, the average wholesale price (AWP) for Desferal in the United States is around $1,000 to $1,500 per vial, which contains 500mg of deferoxamine mesylate [1]. This translates to approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per month for a typical treatment regimen.

Patient Assistance Programs and Discounts

Pharmaceutical manufacturers, such as Novartis, which produces Desferal, offer patient assistance programs to help eligible patients cover the cost of medication [2]. These programs may provide discounts, copay cards, or free medication to patients who meet certain income or medical criteria.

Generic or Biosimilar Options

There are currently no generic or biosimilar versions of Desferal available in the market [3]. However, researchers are exploring the development of alternative iron chelators, which may offer more affordable treatment options in the future.

Regulatory Status and Exclusivity

Desferal has been approved by the FDA since 1979, and its exclusivity expired in 1997 [3] but it is still protected by patent until 2024 on USFDA. The medication's regulatory status and exclusivity can impact its availability and pricing in different countries.

International Pricing and Availability

Desferal's pricing and availability vary significantly across countries, including developed and developing nations [4]. International pricing and regulatory frameworks can influence the accessibility and affordability of this medication.

Sources:

[1] Medscape: Desferal (deferoxamine mesylate) Prices & Coupons [Available at: https://reference.medscape.com/drugs/desferal-deferoxamine-mesylate ]

[2] Novartis: Patient Assistance Programs [Available at: https://www.novartis.com/our-approach/patient-support ]

[3] USFDA: Desferal (deferoxamine mesylate) [Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/nda/93/020124005_Desferal.cfm ]

[4] DrugPatentWatch.com: Desferal [Available at: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/US/DEFO ]