Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is a type of immunotherapy that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and others [3]. The drug works by blocking a protein called PD-1 on immune cells, which can help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells [3].
The cost of Keytruda varies depending on several factors, including the patient's insurance coverage and the specific cancer being treated. According to the manufacturer's website, the list price for a 100 mg vial of Keytruda is $3,270.60, and the recommended dose is typically 200 mg every three weeks [2]. However, many patients may pay less than this amount due to insurance coverage or financial assistance programs.
It is unclear how the cost of Keytruda will change in the future. Drug pricing is a complex issue that is influenced by many factors, including competition from other drugs, changes in healthcare policy, and negotiations between drug manufacturers and insurers. The drug's patent is set to expire in 2028 [1], which could potentially lead to the introduction of generic versions of the drug and lower prices.
In summary, the cost of Keytruda varies depending on several factors, including insurance coverage and the specific cancer being treated. The list price for a 100 mg vial of Keytruda is $3,270.60, but many patients may pay less due to insurance coverage or financial assistance programs. It is unclear how the cost of Keytruda will change in the future, but the drug's patent is set to expire in 2028, which could potentially lead to the introduction of generic versions of the drug and lower prices.
Sources:
[1] Drug Patent Watch. (n.d.). Keytruda. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/biologics/tradename/KEYTRUDA
[2] Keytruda. (n.d.). Keytruda Cost & Insurance Coverage. Retrieved from https://www.keytruda.com/cost-and-insurance-coverage/
[3] Cancer.Net. (2021). What is Immunotherapy? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/immunotherapy-and-vaccines/what-immunotherapy