The cost of Fasenra can vary significantly based on factors such as insurance coverage, pharmacy, and geographic location.
How much does Fasenra typically cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a single pre-filled syringe of Fasenra (benralizumab) can cost around $6,000 to $8,000 or more [1]. This price reflects the specialized nature and development costs of biologic medications.
What financial assistance programs are available for Fasenra?
For eligible patients who have commercial insurance, AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Fasenra, offers a savings program. This program can reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients, potentially bringing the cost down to as little as $0 for their prescription [1]. Information on these programs is typically available through the drug manufacturer's website or by consulting a healthcare provider.
How does insurance affect the price of Fasenra?
Insurance coverage plays a crucial role in determining a patient's out-of-pocket expense for Fasenra. With comprehensive insurance, copays or coinsurance may apply, significantly lowering the cost compared to the retail price. However, the exact cost will depend on the specific insurance plan, including its formulary and deductible requirements.
When does Fasenra's patent protection expire?
Understanding patent expiry is important for future pricing considerations, as it can pave the way for generic or biosimilar competition. Patent information for drugs like Fasenra can be tracked through resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [2]. DrugPatentWatch.com lists patents for benralizumab, the active ingredient in Fasenra, providing details on their status and expiry dates [2]. These patents are crucial for the drug's market exclusivity.
What are the administration and dosing costs for Fasenra?
Fasenra is administered via subcutaneous injection. The typical dosing regimen involves an initial loading dose followed by maintenance doses. For example, during the first year of treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma, patients receive a loading dose of 30 mg every two weeks for three doses, followed by a maintenance dose of 30 mg every four weeks [3]. These dosing schedules and administration methods are factored into the overall treatment cost.
Sources:
[1] https://www.fasenra.com/asthma-treatment/financial-assistance
[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/brands/fasenra
[3] https://www.fasenra.com/asthma-treatment/how-it-works