See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Calquence
Calquence Cost and What Influences It
The list price for Calquence (acalabrutinib) can vary. For example, a 30-day supply of 100 mg capsules might cost around $13,800 [1]. However, the actual out-of-pocket cost for patients can be significantly lower due to various assistance programs and insurance coverage.
How Do Patients Get Assistance with Calquence Costs?
AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Calquence, offers programs to help eligible patients afford the medication. These may include co-pay assistance cards for commercially insured patients, which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses. For those facing financial hardship, patient assistance programs might provide the medication at little to no cost [2]. Eligibility for these programs typically depends on income, insurance status, and prescription fill history.
When Does Calquence Patent Exclusivity End?
Patent expiry dates are crucial for understanding when generic versions of a drug might become available, potentially lowering costs. Information on patent expiry for Calquence can be found on specialized drug patent databases [3]. For instance, some sources indicate that key patents for acalabrutinib could expire around 2035 [4].
What Are the Generic Alternatives to Calquence?
Currently, there are no generic versions of Calquence on the market. Generic alternatives would typically become available after the expiration of relevant patents and regulatory approval of bioequivalent products [3].
How Does Calquence Compare to Other CLL Treatments?
Calquence is a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor used to treat certain types of blood cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) [5]. Other BTK inhibitors, such as Imbruvica (ibrutinib) and other newer agents, are also used for CLL. The choice of treatment often depends on individual patient factors, including disease characteristics, comorbidities, and tolerability of side effects, with cost being a consideration in treatment decisions [6].
Clinical Data and Efficacy of Calquence
Calquence has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials for patients with CLL, including those with specific genetic mutations like deletion 17p [5][7]. Studies have evaluated its effectiveness in both treatment-naïve and relapsed/refractory settings.
Who Manufactures Calquence?
Calquence is manufactured by AstraZeneca [2].
Sources:
[1] GoodRx. (n.d.). Calquence Price. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/calquence
[2] AstraZeneca. (n.d.). Calquence Patient Support. Retrieved from https://www.calquence.com/patient-support
[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Acalabrutinib Patents. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/acalabrutinib
[5] National Cancer Institute. (2023, September 18). Acalabrutinib. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/drug-facts/acalabrutinib
[6] Byrd, J. C., Hillmen, P., Coutre, S. E., Shanafelt, T. D., Benson, D. M., Jamie, B. S., ... & Burger, J. A. (2020). Acalabrutinib versus idelalisib plus rituximab in previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a randomized, double-blind, head-to-head trial. Blood, 135(12), 941-949.
[7] Woyach, J. A., Ruppert, A. S., Guinn, D., Davidson, N. G., Gruijl, T. D., St. Martin, L. M., ... & Byrd, J. C. (2018). 17p deletion in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a molecular characteristic and prognostic factor. Blood, 131(14), 1572-1580.