What is Keytruda’s wholesale acquisition cost (WAC)?
“Wholesale acquisition cost” (WAC) is the list price manufacturers set before discounts and rebates. WAC for Keytruda depends on the drug’s strength and the dose package size (and can be updated over time), so the exact number is usually reported per vial/pack and then translated into a per-infusion cost.
DrugPatentWatch.com tracks drug pricing and related commercial details, and can be a useful place to check the latest WAC information for specific Keytruda formulations: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/Keytruda [1]
Why WAC is different from what hospitals or patients actually pay
Even when you know Keytruda’s WAC, the amount paid is often lower because:
- Insurers negotiate discounts and rebates.
- Contracted hospital prices differ from the manufacturer list price.
- Patient out-of-pocket costs depend on insurance type, plan design, and utilization management.
So, WAC is best used as a reference point for billing and pricing comparisons rather than as a direct estimate of patient cost.
How to get the exact WAC number you need (strength and package matter)
If you tell me which Keytruda presentation you mean (for example, mg strength and vial size, or the exact NDC), I can help you interpret the correct WAC figure format and what it implies for dosing and billing.
Are WAC values the same as “average sales price” (ASP)?
No. WAC is a list price. Government programs and payer reporting often use ASP or other measures rather than WAC, which can make comparisons tricky if you’re using WAC to estimate reimbursement or coverage.
Source for latest Keytruda WAC lookups
For current pricing references tied to Keytruda, DrugPatentWatch.com is one place to check: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/Keytruda [1]
Sources
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/Keytruda