What is the cost of pembrolizumab?
Pembrolizumab is a cancer medication used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and others [1]. The cost of pembrolizumab can vary depending on several factors, including the country, patient's health status, and the specific treatment regimen.
How much does pembrolizumab cost per treatment cycle?
A treatment cycle of pembrolizumab typically consists of 4 infusions, given every 3 weeks. The cost of a single dose of pembrolizumab can range from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the dose and the country [2]. For example, according to the manufacturer's website, a 200mg dose of pembrolizumab can cost around $3,500 to $4,500 per infusion.
Can biosimilars enter the market before patent expiry?
Pembrolizumab is covered by multiple patents, which are slowly expiring. In the US, the first patent for pembrolizumab expired in October 2023 [3]. However, it's unclear whether biosimilars can enter the market before the patent expiry date, as regulatory approvals and market access may take time.
How does pembrolizumab compare with other cancer medications?
Pembrolizumab is often compared with other cancer medications, such as nivolumab (Opdivo) and atezolizumab (Tecentriq). A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that pembrolizumab had a higher response rate and longer progression-free survival compared to nivolumab in patients with non-small cell lung cancer [4].
Who makes pembrolizumab?
Pembrolizumab is manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc., a US-based pharmaceutical company. Merck acquired the rights to pembrolizumab through its acquisition of Idec Pharmaceuticals in 2006 [5].
When does exclusivity expire?
As mentioned earlier, the first patent for pembrolizumab expired in October 2023. However, multiple subsequent patents are still in effect, extending the exclusivity period until 2032 [6].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/pembrolizumab
[2] https://www.merck.com/product/ Key information/Pembrolizumab
[3] https://www.ipwatch.org/2022/06/21/merck-pembrolizumab-patent-expiration/
[4] https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.2022.41.15.6506
[5] https://www.merck.com/about/history/key-moments/
[6] https://www.fda.gov.drugs/drug-approvals/fdc-pembrolizumab