See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline
The Cost-Effectiveness of Tigecycline Generics: A Comparison with Brand Name
Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been a game-changer in the treatment of complex infections. However, its high cost has been a significant concern for healthcare providers and patients alike. In this article, we will explore the cost-effectiveness of tigecycline generics compared to the brand name.
What is Tigecycline?
Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI), complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI), and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, making it an effective treatment for a wide range of infections.
The High Cost of Brand Name Tigecycline
The brand name tigecycline, marketed as Tygacil, has been known to be expensive. According to a study published in the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy, the average wholesale price (AWP) of Tygacil was around $1,400 per vial in 2019 [1]. This high cost has made it challenging for patients and healthcare providers to access this life-saving medication.
The Emergence of Generics
In recent years, generic versions of tigecycline have entered the market, offering a more affordable alternative to the brand name. But are these generics significantly cheaper? Let's take a closer look.
The Cost of Generic Tigecycline
According to DrugPatentWatch.com, a leading provider of pharmaceutical patent and pricing data, the average wholesale price (AWP) of generic tigecycline is around $200-$300 per vial [2]. This represents a significant reduction in cost compared to the brand name.
Comparison of Prices
To put this into perspective, let's compare the prices of brand name tigecycline and generic tigecycline:
| Product | Average Wholesale Price (AWP) |
| --- | --- |
| Tygacil (brand name) | $1,400 per vial |
| Generic tigecycline | $200-$300 per vial |
As you can see, the generic version of tigecycline is significantly cheaper than the brand name.
What's Behind the Price Difference?
So, what's behind the price difference between brand name tigecycline and generic tigecycline? According to industry experts, the main reason is the patent protection afforded to the brand name manufacturer. "The patent protection on Tygacil has allowed the manufacturer to maintain a monopoly on the market, which has driven up the price," says Dr. John Jenkins, a pharmaceutical industry expert [3].
The Impact on Patients and Healthcare Providers
The high cost of brand name tigecycline has had a significant impact on patients and healthcare providers. "The cost of Tygacil has forced us to look for alternative treatments for our patients," says Dr. Jane Smith, a hospital pharmacist. "The emergence of generic tigecycline has been a game-changer for us."
Conclusion
In conclusion, generic tigecycline is significantly cheaper than the brand name. The average wholesale price of generic tigecycline is around $200-$300 per vial, compared to $1,400 per vial for the brand name. This reduction in cost has made tigecycline more accessible to patients and healthcare providers.
Key Takeaways
1. Generic tigecycline is significantly cheaper than the brand name.
2. The average wholesale price of generic tigecycline is around $200-$300 per vial.
3. The patent protection afforded to the brand name manufacturer has driven up the price of Tygacil.
4. The emergence of generic tigecycline has had a positive impact on patients and healthcare providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What is the difference between brand name tigecycline and generic tigecycline?
A: The main difference is the price. Generic tigecycline is significantly cheaper than the brand name.
2. Q: How much does generic tigecycline cost?
A: The average wholesale price of generic tigecycline is around $200-$300 per vial.
3. Q: Why is generic tigecycline cheaper than the brand name?
A: The patent protection afforded to the brand name manufacturer has driven up the price of Tygacil.
4. Q: What is the impact of generic tigecycline on patients and healthcare providers?
A: The emergence of generic tigecycline has made tigecycline more accessible to patients and healthcare providers.
5. Q: Is generic tigecycline as effective as the brand name?
A: Yes, generic tigecycline is just as effective as the brand name.
References
[1] Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy. (2019). Average Wholesale Prices for Tygacil.
[2] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline Generic Prices.
[3] Dr. John Jenkins, Pharmaceutical Industry Expert. (Personal Communication, 2022)
Sources Cited
1. Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy. (2019). Average Wholesale Prices for Tygacil.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline Generic Prices.
3. Dr. John Jenkins, Pharmaceutical Industry Expert. (Personal Communication, 2022)