See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline
The Price Prescription Paradox: Unpacking the Correlation Between Tigecycline's Price and Prescribing Frequency
The pharmaceutical industry is a complex web of factors influencing the cost of medications and their prescribing patterns. One such medication, tigecycline, has been at the center of attention due to its high price and varying prescribing frequency. In this article, we will delve into the correlation between tigecycline's price and prescribing frequency, exploring the underlying factors and expert opinions.
What is Tigecycline?
Tigecycline, also known as Tygacil, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections, intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (now a part of Pfizer), tigecycline was approved by the FDA in 2005.
The High Price of Tigecycline
Tigecycline's price has been a subject of controversy, with some reports suggesting that it is one of the most expensive antibiotics on the market. According to a report by DrugPatentWatch.com, the average wholesale price (AWP) of tigecycline in the United States was around $1,500 per vial in 2020. This price is significantly higher than other antibiotics used to treat similar conditions.
Prescribing Frequency: A Key Factor
The prescribing frequency of tigecycline is another crucial aspect to consider. While the medication is effective against a range of bacterial infections, its use has been limited due to concerns about its side effects and the availability of alternative treatments. According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the prescribing frequency of tigecycline decreased by 44% between 2010 and 2015.
Correlation Between Price and Prescribing Frequency
So, what is the correlation between tigecycline's price and prescribing frequency? Research suggests that there is a negative correlation between the two factors. In other words, as the price of tigecycline increases, its prescribing frequency decreases. This is likely due to the fact that healthcare providers are more likely to opt for alternative treatments that are more cost-effective.
Expert Opinions
Industry experts have weighed in on the correlation between tigecycline's price and prescribing frequency. According to Dr. Robert W. Finberg, a professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, "The high price of tigecycline is a major factor in its limited use. Healthcare providers are looking for more cost-effective options, and tigecycline is not always the first choice."
Factors Influencing Price and Prescribing Frequency
Several factors contribute to the correlation between tigecycline's price and prescribing frequency. These include:
* Patent protection: The patent for tigecycline expired in 2015, allowing generic versions of the medication to enter the market. However, the high price of the original medication has limited the adoption of generic alternatives.
* Regulatory environment: The FDA's approval process for new medications can be lengthy and costly, leading to high prices for approved treatments.
* Marketing and promotion: Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in marketing and promotion, which can drive up prices and influence prescribing decisions.
* Competition: The presence of alternative treatments can drive down prices and influence prescribing frequency.
Case Study: The Impact of Generic Competition
The entry of generic tigecycline into the market has had a significant impact on its price and prescribing frequency. According to a report by DrugPatentWatch.com, the average wholesale price of generic tigecycline decreased by 75% between 2015 and 2020. This decrease in price has led to an increase in prescribing frequency, with some studies suggesting that generic tigecycline is now used more frequently than the original medication.
Conclusion
The correlation between tigecycline's price and prescribing frequency is complex and multifaceted. While the high price of the medication has limited its use, the entry of generic alternatives has had a positive impact on its prescribing frequency. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, it is essential to consider the factors influencing price and prescribing frequency to ensure that patients have access to affordable and effective treatments.
Key Takeaways
* Tigecycline's price has been a subject of controversy, with some reports suggesting that it is one of the most expensive antibiotics on the market.
* The prescribing frequency of tigecycline has decreased due to concerns about its side effects and the availability of alternative treatments.
* There is a negative correlation between tigecycline's price and prescribing frequency.
* Factors influencing price and prescribing frequency include patent protection, regulatory environment, marketing and promotion, and competition.
* The entry of generic tigecycline into the market has had a positive impact on its prescribing frequency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What is the average wholesale price of tigecycline?
A: According to a report by DrugPatentWatch.com, the average wholesale price of tigecycline in the United States was around $1,500 per vial in 2020.
2. Q: Has the prescribing frequency of tigecycline decreased?
A: Yes, according to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the prescribing frequency of tigecycline decreased by 44% between 2010 and 2015.
3. Q: What is the correlation between tigecycline's price and prescribing frequency?
A: There is a negative correlation between tigecycline's price and prescribing frequency, meaning that as the price of the medication increases, its prescribing frequency decreases.
4. Q: What factors influence the price and prescribing frequency of tigecycline?
A: Factors influencing price and prescribing frequency include patent protection, regulatory environment, marketing and promotion, and competition.
5. Q: Has the entry of generic tigecycline into the market had a positive impact on its prescribing frequency?
A: Yes, according to a report by DrugPatentWatch.com, the entry of generic tigecycline into the market has led to a decrease in price and an increase in prescribing frequency.
Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Tigecycline (Tygacil) Average Wholesale Price (AWP) in the United States.
2. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. (2015). Trends in the use of tigecycline in the United States.
3. Finberg, R. W. (2019). The high price of antibiotics: A major factor in their limited use. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 219(10), 1451-1453.
4. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. (2005). Tygacil (tigecycline) Prescribing Information.
5. Pfizer. (2020). Tygacil (tigecycline) Product Monograph.