Durvalumab, marketed as Imfinzi, is an immunotherapy drug used to treat certain types of cancer, including lung cancer and bladder cancer. The price of Durvalumab 500 mg can vary significantly depending on factors such as the healthcare system, geographic location, pharmacy, and whether it is purchased through a hospital or specialty pharmacy. Specific pricing information is often not publicly disclosed due to complex reimbursement agreements and discounts.
How is Durvalumab administered?
Durvalumab is typically administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. The dosage of 500 mg is often given over a specific period, and the frequency of administration depends on the type and stage of cancer being treated.
What is Durvalumab used for?
Durvalumab is indicated for the treatment of adults with unresectable Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has not progressed following concurrent chemoradiation therapy [1]. It is also used for adults with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or after platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy [2].
Who makes Durvalumab?
Durvalumab is developed and manufactured by AstraZeneca [3].
What are the clinical trial results for Durvalumab?
Clinical trials have demonstrated Durvalumab's efficacy in improving outcomes for patients. In Stage III NSCLC, Durvalumab significantly improved progression-free survival and overall survival when administered after chemoradiation in the PACIFIC trial [1]. For urothelial carcinoma, studies showed that Durvalumab provided a survival benefit compared to chemotherapy in patients with previously treated advanced disease [2].
When does Durvalumab's patent expire?
Patent expiration dates for Durvalumab vary depending on the specific patent and region. Information on patent statuses and projected expiration dates can be found through resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [4]. Generally, drug patents provide market exclusivity for a period, after which generic or biosimilar versions may become available.
What are the side effects of Durvalumab?
Common side effects of Durvalumab can include fatigue, diarrhea, rash, decreased appetite, and musculoskeletal pain. More serious side effects, such as immune-mediated pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, endocrinopathies, and nephritis, can occur [1][2]. Patients should discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider.
How does Durvalumab compare to other immunotherapies?
Durvalumab belongs to a class of drugs called PD-L1 inhibitors, which work by blocking the PD-L1 protein on cancer cells, thereby allowing the immune system to attack the cancer. Other immunotherapies, such as those targeting PD-1 (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab), work similarly but by blocking the PD-1 receptor on immune cells. The choice of immunotherapy often depends on the specific cancer type, stage, and individual patient characteristics.
What is the cost of Durvalumab treatment?
The cost of Durvalumab treatment is substantial, reflecting the research, development, and manufacturing expenses associated with novel cancer therapies. While exact retail prices are not readily available, the cost of a single 500 mg dose can be several thousand dollars, and treatment often involves multiple doses over an extended period. This can result in significant healthcare expenditures for patients and healthcare systems.
Where can I find more information on Durvalumab patents?
Detailed information on Durvalumab's patent portfolio, including expiration dates and patent challenges, is available from specialized databases. DrugPatentWatch.com offers comprehensive data on drug patents, which can be a valuable resource for understanding market exclusivity and potential generic or biosimilar entry timelines [4].
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Sources:
[1] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/fda-approves-imfinzi-durvalumab-unresectable-stage-iii-non-small-cell-lung-cancer
[2] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/fda-approves-imfinzi-durvalumab-advanced-bladder-cancer
[3] https://www.astrazeneca.com/
[4] https://drugpatentwatch.com/