At present, most patients take three capsules of Imbruvica daily at an annual cost of $148,000. Janssen and Pharmacyclics planned to discontinue the original pill and launch a once-daily tablet in four dosages, which would cost $400 each, or three times the price of the original pill.
Janssen and Pharmacyclics decided to keep the original version of Imbruvica on the market after facing scrutiny from oncologists, who said the move would raise healthcare costs for patients who only require one or two pills a day. In addition, recent early clinical trial evidence suggests a smaller dose of Imbruvica may be effective in patients with blood cancer.
“We have received feedback regarding the availability of Imbruvica capsules, and as a result will continue to offer 140 milligram Imbruvica capsules as an option, in addition to our one pill, once-a-day tablet,” Pharmacyclics, a subsidiary of AbbVie, said in a statement on its website.
More articles on supply chain:
Meet the 10 participants in the US drone program
FDA issues EpiPen shortage alert: 6 things to know
A new pharma giant —Takeda acquires Shire for $62B
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.