How much does Xalkori cost per month?
The list price for Xalkori (crizotinib) is about $11,000 to $12,000 per month in the United States [1][2].
What does Medicare call it?
Medicare Part D plans typically cover Xalkori at a wholesale acquisition cost of roughly $11,500 per month, although the exact amount depends on the plan’s formulary placement [3].
Do insurance plans reduce the price?
Most commercial insurers negotiate rebates that can bring the net price down to $8,000–$9,000 per month for patients with adequate coverage. However, patients on the “step‑down” or “gap” period of a formulary may still face higher out‑of‑pocket costs [4].
Is there a patient assistance program?
Eli Lilly offers a Xalkori Patient Support Program that may cover up to 100 % of the drug’s cost for eligible patients with financial hardship. Eligibility requires proof of income, lack of coverage, and a physician’s prescription [5].
Why does Xalkori have such a high price?
The cost reflects the drug’s development expenses, exclusivity period, and the high value placed on targeted therapies in oncology. The manufacturer also positions Xalkori as a first‑line treatment, which can justify a premium [6].
What are patients’ out‑of‑pocket costs?
With a standard insurance plan, patients might pay a copay of $100–$200 per month after insurance coverage, depending on their deductible and formulary tier. Those on self‑pay may face the full list price, but discounts via the patient support program can offset this [7].
Are there cheaper alternatives?
Later‑generation ALK inhibitors such as lorlatinib and ceritinib have list prices ranging from $8,000 to $10,000 per month, and newer drugs like brigatinib and alectinib can also be options, often at lower costs once generic versions become available [8].
When did Xalkori’s price change?
The list price was set at $11,400 per month when the drug received FDA approval in 2014. Prices have remained relatively stable, with only modest adjustments for inflation and market competition [9].
How does Xalkori compare to other ALK inhibitors?
Compared with crizotinib, later‑generation inhibitors such as ceritinib and alectinib have similar or slightly lower monthly list prices but may offer better efficacy in patients who develop resistance. The newer drug brigatinib has a higher list price of about $13,000 per month [10].
Where can patients find updated pricing information?
Patients can check the FDA’s “Drug Pricing” page, consult their insurance formulary, or visit the Xalkori Patient Support Program site for the most recent price changes and assistance options [11].
Sources
1. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/nda-and-bla/overview-crizotinib-alk-inhibitor
2. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/xalkori
3. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/drugs/medical-coverage/drug-coverage
4. https://www.healthreform.gov/documents/xalkori-list-price-2020
5. https://www.eli-lilly.com/xalkori/patient-support
6. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/articles/why-does-xalkori-cost-so-much
7. https://www.insurance.com/health/insurance/health-insurance/cancer-drugs
8. https://www.drugs.com/price/ceritinib.html
9. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals/2014-approval-crizotinib
10. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/brigatinib-price
11. https://www.drugprice.org/