Brigatinib, marketed as Alunbrig, is a targeted therapy used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The price of brigatinib can vary significantly based on factors such as dosage, insurance coverage, and pharmacy.
How much does a supply of Brigatinib cost?
A 30-day supply of brigatinib can range from approximately $12,000 to over $18,000 without insurance. For instance, a prescription for 180 tablets of brigatinib 90 mg can be around $18,000. Patients with insurance may pay considerably less, with out-of-pocket costs often ranging from $0 to several hundred dollars per month, depending on their specific plan and deductible [1].
What financial assistance programs are available for Brigatinib?
Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of brigatinib, offers patient assistance programs. The Takeda Pharmaceuticals Patient Assistance Program (PAPS) can provide financial support to eligible uninsured and underinsured patients who meet certain criteria. This program may offer the medication at a reduced cost or even free of charge [1]. Additionally, third-party organizations and foundations may offer financial aid for cancer treatment medications.
When does Brigatinib's patent protection expire?
Patent information for pharmaceuticals like brigatinib is complex and can involve multiple patents covering the drug substance, its uses, and manufacturing processes. While specific patent expiry dates can be tracked, they often extend for many years after initial approval. Information on brigatinib's patent landscape and potential patent expiry can be found on specialized resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [2]. The exact dates and status of these patents can influence when generic versions might become available.
What is the difference between Brigatinib and other ALK inhibitors?
Brigatinib is an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor used for ALK-positive NSCLC. It is approved for patients who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib, and also as a first-line treatment. Other ALK inhibitors include crizotinib, alectinib, and lorlatinib. These drugs differ in their efficacy against specific ALK mutations, their side effect profiles, and their positioning in treatment regimens (e.g., first-line vs. subsequent lines of therapy) [3]. Clinical trials have compared brigatinib to other ALK inhibitors, showing varying degrees of efficacy and tolerability depending on the treatment setting [3].