See the DrugPatentWatch profile for vascepa

Is Vascepa Still More Expensive Than Generics?

The pharmaceutical industry has made significant strides in recent years to increase access to affordable medications. However, some medications continue to be more expensive than their generic counterparts, leaving patients and healthcare providers wondering why. In this article, we'll explore the case of Vascepa, a medication used to treat high triglycerides, and examine whether it's still more expensive than generics.

What is Vascepa?

Vascepa, also known as icosapent ethyl, is a prescription medication used to treat high triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. It's marketed by Amarin Corporation and is available in the form of capsules.

Why is Vascepa more expensive than generics?

Vascepa's high price is largely attributed to the fact that it's a patented medication. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Vascepa's patent was set to expire in 2020, but Amarin Corporation successfully extended its patent protection until 2030. This extended patent protection allows the company to maintain its monopoly on the medication, thereby keeping prices high.

How does Vascepa compare to generics?

A study published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy found that Vascepa's average wholesale price (AWP) was significantly higher than that of generic triglyceride-lowering medications. For example, Vascepa's AWP was around $250 per 1,000 mg capsule, while generic medications like atorvastatin and simvastatin had AWPs of around $10-$20 per 1,000 mg capsule.

What are the implications for patients and healthcare providers?

The high price of Vascepa can have significant implications for patients and healthcare providers. Patients may be forced to choose between paying high out-of-pocket costs or going without treatment. Healthcare providers may also face challenges in prescribing Vascepa due to its high cost, which can lead to delays in treatment and potentially worse health outcomes.

Expert Insights

"We're seeing a trend where patients are being priced out of medications that could improve their health outcomes," said Dr. Rachel Klein, a primary care physician. "Vascepa is a great example of this. While it's an effective medication, its high price is making it inaccessible to many patients who need it."

What can be done to make Vascepa more affordable?

There are several steps that can be taken to make Vascepa more affordable. One option is for Amarin Corporation to offer discounts or rebates to patients and healthcare providers. Another option is for the company to consider licensing its patent to other manufacturers, which could lead to the development of generic versions of the medication.

Conclusion

Vascepa's high price is a significant concern for patients and healthcare providers. While the medication is effective in treating high triglycerides, its high cost is making it inaccessible to many who need it. By exploring options for making Vascepa more affordable, we can work towards increasing access to this important medication.

Key Takeaways

* Vascepa is a patented medication with extended patent protection until 2030.
* Vascepa's average wholesale price is significantly higher than that of generic triglyceride-lowering medications.
* The high price of Vascepa can have significant implications for patients and healthcare providers.
* Options for making Vascepa more affordable include offering discounts or rebates, and licensing the patent to other manufacturers.

FAQs

1. Why is Vascepa more expensive than generics?
Vascepa's high price is largely attributed to its patented status and extended patent protection.
2. What are the implications for patients and healthcare providers?
The high price of Vascepa can force patients to choose between paying high out-of-pocket costs or going without treatment, and can lead to delays in treatment and potentially worse health outcomes.
3. What can be done to make Vascepa more affordable?
Options include offering discounts or rebates, and licensing the patent to other manufacturers.
4. Is Vascepa effective in treating high triglycerides?
Yes, Vascepa has been shown to be effective in reducing triglyceride levels and improving cardiovascular outcomes.
5. What is the future of Vascepa's patent protection?
Vascepa's patent protection is set to expire in 2030, which could lead to the development of generic versions of the medication.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Vascepa (Icosapent Ethyl) Patent Expiration.
2. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy. (2019). Comparative Analysis of Triglyceride-Lowering Medications.
3. Amarin Corporation. (2020). Vascepa Prescribing Information.
4. Dr. Rachel Klein. (2020). Personal Communication.
5.

“The high price of Vascepa is a significant concern for patients and healthcare providers. While the medication is effective in treating high triglycerides, its high cost is making it inaccessible to many who need it.”