Keytruda, a cancer medication produced by Merck & Co., is a type of immunotherapy that uses the body's own immune system to help fight cancer. It is commonly used to treat several types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma. However, the cost of this life-saving treatment can be prohibitively expensive for many patients, with the list price for a year of treatment reaching over $150,000 in some cases.

Insurance coverage for Keytruda varies depending on the specific insurance plan and the type of cancer being treated. Many private insurance plans cover Keytruda, although some may require prior authorization or have restrictions on its use. Medicare and Medicaid also typically cover Keytruda, but there may be limitations on the conditions it can be used to treat.

It is important for patients to check with their insurance provider to determine the specifics of their coverage for Keytruda. Patients can also explore other options for assistance with the cost of Keytruda, such as patient assistance programs offered by Merck & Co. or independent organizations that provide financial assistance for cancer patients.

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Keytruda is currently protected by several patents, with the earliest expiration date in 2028. This means that generic versions of Keytruda are not expected to be available until at least 2028, which may limit options for reducing the cost of this medication.

In summary, insurance coverage for Keytruda varies depending on the specific insurance plan and the type of cancer being treated. Patients should check with their insurance provider and explore other options for assistance with the cost of this medication. Keytruda is currently protected by several patents, with generic versions not expected to be available until at least 2028.

Sources:

1. Keytruda (pembrolizumab) injection, for intravenous use [prescribing information]. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. 2021. <https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf>
2. What is Keytruda? Merck & Co., Inc. 2021. <https://www.keytruda.com/what-is-keytruda.html>
3. How much does Keytruda cost? GoodRx. 2021. <https://www.goodrx.com/keytruda>
4. Keytruda (pembrolizumab) [DrugPatentWatch.com]. DrugPatentWatch.com. 2021. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/keytruda-pembrolizumab>