Lurbinectedin is a novel anticancer drug that has shown promising results in the treatment of various cancers, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC) [2]. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], the patent for lurbinectedin is set to expire in 2036, which means that the drug is still under patent protection, and the manufacturer has exclusive rights to sell it. As a result, the cost of the drug is relatively high compared to other chemotherapy drugs [2].

However, a recent study published in the Value in Health journal [3] suggests that lurbinectedin is a cost-effective second-line treatment option for patients with SCLC. The study found that although the drug's cost is high, it is offset by its effectiveness in treating the disease, which leads to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs in the long run [3].

It is worth noting that the cost of a drug is influenced by several factors, including research and development costs, manufacturing costs, marketing costs, and patent protection [2]. The high cost of lurbinectedin could be attributed to the extensive research and development that went into creating the drug, as well as the fact that it is still under patent protection [1, 2].

In conclusion, lurbinectedin is a costly drug due to its patent protection and the high costs associated with its research and development. However, recent studies suggest that the drug is a cost-effective second-line treatment option for patients with SCLC, as it leads to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs in the long run.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LURBINECTEDIN
[2] https://www.targetedonc.com/view/lurbinectedin-is-cost-effective-as-a-second-line-treatment-in-sclc
[3] https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(19)32711-1/fulltext