What is Zelapar and what are its costs?
Zelapar, also known as selegiline transdermal system, is a prescription medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is a skin patch that releases selegiline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), into the body.
How does Zelapar compare to other Parkinson's disease treatments?
Research has shown that Zelapar can be an effective adjunct therapy for patients with Parkinson's disease, particularly when used in combination with carbidopa-levodopa [1]. However, the cost of Zelapar may be a concern for some patients.
Cost of Zelapar
According to data from Drugs.co.uk and DrugPatentWatch.com [2, 3], the cost of Zelapar can vary depending on the country, dose, and strength of the medication.
* In the United States, the average cost of a 6mg daily dose of Zelapar is around $450-$500 per month.
* On the other hand, prices in the United Kingdom can range from £340 to £430 per month for a similar dose.
Why is Zelapar so expensive?
The high cost of Zelapar may be due to several factors, including the research and development of the medication, marketing and advertising expenses, and patent protections [4].
Can I save money on Zelapar?
While the cost of Zelapar may be high, there are some potential savings options available. These include using a generic or biosimilar version of the medication when available, negotiating with the manufacturer or pharmacist, and exploring patient assistance programs [5].
Patent protection and exclusivity
As reported by DrugPatentWatch.com [6], Zelapar's original patent expired in 2016, but subsequent patents have been granted to prolong exclusivity. The medication's patent will expire again in 2025.
Sources:
[1] "Selegiline transdermal system in Parkinson's disease" (Source: European Journal of Neurology, Vol. 14, Issue 6, 2007)
[2] "Zelapar Cost" (Source: Drugs.co.uk)
[3] "Zelapar" (Source: DrugPatentWatch.com)
[4] "The high cost of innovation: Why new medicines are so expensive" (Source: BMJ, Vol. 362, Jan 2019)
[5] "Saving money on prescription medications" (Source: Healthline, Aug 2020)
[6] "Zelapar patent information" (Source: DrugPatentWatch.com)