Why is lurbinectedin pricier than alternatives?

Why do prices for lurbinectedin differ from other second-line treatments for small cell lung cancer?

Lurbinectedin costs roughly $14,000 per 4 mg vial. This figure comes from list prices rather than negotiated rates at which hospital systems buy drugs. Negotiated prices fall below official lists because insurers and payers rarely cover the full amount.

Why do pharmaceutical companies set high prices for orphan drugs?

Companies price lurbinectedin and other orphan drugs high to recover research costs and offset losses on drugs that failed in clinical trials. Recovery happens over the limited patient population eligible for the drug. Recovery also occurs during the time before generic or biosimilar versions appear.

How does exclusivity affect pricing?

Lurbinectedin holds both new chemical entity exclusivity and orphan drug exclusivity until June 2025. Exclusivity prevents generic manufacturers from entering the market. Exclusivity also prevents any competitive pricing pressure from lower-priced alternatives.