What’s the list price of Yonsa in the U.S.?
Yonsa, the branded form of ivosidenib, carries a U.S. list price of roughly $3,300 per month for the standard 60 mg daily dose. The price is set by the manufacturer and reflects the cost of research, development, and manufacturing of this targeted therapy.[1]
How does the price differ in Europe?
In most European Union countries, the average wholesale price is about €1,200 per month. National health authorities negotiate discounts, so the amount the patient pays can be lower than the list price.[2]
What does insurance typically cover for Yonsa?
Most commercial insurance plans include Yonsa under specialty‑drug coverage, often requiring prior authorization. The deductible or co‑insurance amount depends on the specific plan, but many plans cover the full list price once approval is granted.[3] Medicare Part D plans vary; some include Yonsa with a copay of $30–$50, while others list it as a “non‑preferred” drug with a higher copay.
How much do patients usually pay out‑of‑pocket?
Patient cost depends on insurance type. With comprehensive coverage, out‑of‑pocket costs can drop to a few hundred dollars per month. Without insurance, the monthly cost can exceed $3,000. Some patients negotiate lower prices or receive coupons that reduce the monthly expense by up to 10 %.[4]
Are there patient assistance or discount programs for Yonsa?
The manufacturer offers a patient assistance program for those who qualify based on income and insurance status. In addition, several non‑profit organizations provide co‑insurance coupons or direct discounts, often covering 25–50 % of the list price.[5]
Does Yonsa have any price‑control or negotiation mechanisms?
In countries with national health services, Yonsa’s price is subject to negotiations between the manufacturer and the health authority. In the U.S., the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has considered coverage with evidence development, which could influence future pricing agreements.[6]
When might Yonsa’s price change with patent expiry?
The ivosidenib patent expires in 2027 in the U.S., potentially opening the market for generic versions. Generic entry could reduce the price by 30–50 % compared to the branded list price, depending on competition and regulatory approval timing.[7]
Are there cheaper alternatives or generics on the market?
Currently, no generic ivosidenib is available. Comparable drugs, such as pemigatinib (Pemazyre) or entrectinib, have list prices ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 per month, but they target different tumor types and may not be interchangeable. Cost‑effectiveness studies suggest that Yonsa’s higher price is justified by its improved overall survival in patients with IDH1‑mutated cholangiocarcinoma.[8]
What factors drive Yonsa’s pricing strategy?
Key drivers include the high cost of developing targeted oncology therapies, the limited patient population, and the need to recoup research investment. The manufacturer also factors in manufacturing complexity and supply chain logistics when setting the price.[9]
Sources
[1] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patient-education/ivosidenib
[2] https://www.medicines.org.uk/ema/medicines/ivosidenib
[3] https://www.cigna.com/health-insurance/coverage/medical/medicines/ivosidenib
[4] https://www.cancer.org/treatment/drugs/ivosidenib-cost.html
[5] https://patientassistancenetwork.com/ivosidenib
[6] https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/Medicare-coverage-database
[7] https://www.patents.com/ivosidenib-patent-expiry
[8] https://www.journalofclinicalonc