Gene Therapies Will Be A Bigger Cost Issue In 2021, PwC Predicts

The expected launch of BioMarin's Roctavian for hemophilia A is expected to heighten the profile of expensive gene therapies on payers' radar. Specialty drug costs are expected to continue to grow in 2021. 

Money6
A new PwC report looks at medical cost trend in 2021 • Source: Shutterstock

The anticipated launch of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.'s gene therapy Roctavian (valoctocogene roxaparvovec) for hemophilia A later this year is expected to put the high cost of one-time therapies squarely on payers' radar, according to a new report from PwC's Health Research Institute (HRI) that explores medical cost trends in the US for 2021, with a focus on the impact for commercial plans and employers.

BioMarin hasn't finalized the price for Roctavian, but it's clear a drug with a $1m-plus price tag in an indication...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Gene Therapies

FDA Asked, Sarepta Refused To Stop Elevidys Shipments After Third Death With Gene Therapy Vector

 
• By 

Sarepta knew about the death in a Phase I trial of SRP-9004 for LGMD when it recently revealed a restructuring plan, but did not disclose the event. The now-discontinued gene therapy candidate uses the same AAV vector as Elevidys, which has been linked to two DMD patient deaths.

Hopes Rise For Sickle Cell Gene Therapy Access As 33 States Join CMS Program

 

CMS said that 33 US states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico had joined a program whereby the agency negotiates outcomes-based contracts on their behalf.

In Brief: Nanoscope Ploughs Forward With FDA Application For Retinitis Pigmentosa Gene Therapy

 
• By 

Nanoscope’s experimental gene therapy, MCO-010, is designed to target the broader retinitis pigmentosa population, regardless of the underlying gene mutation, with a completed US regulatory submission expected in early 2026.

Bluebird Builds Out Leadership Team Under Private Equity Ownership

 

The gene therapy developer appointed a new president, chief medical officer and chief of staff following the closing of its acquisition by private equity firms Carlysle and SK Capital.

More from Advanced Therapies

Concentra Picks Up Cargo In Latest Troubled Biotech Buyout

 

The Kevin Tang-led firm will pay $4.38 per share for Cargo, which laid off most of its workforce following the failure of a Phase II CAR-T trial.

Stock Watch: US CAR-T And Vaccine Actions: Net Negative For Access

 
• By 

Relaxing CAR-T restrictions may not be an access panacea because of patient fragility and lack of payer incentive. Conversely, the ACIP’s recent recommendation on Thiomersal-containing flu vaccines is probably the thin edge of a more restrictive wedge.

Bluebird Builds Out Leadership Team Under Private Equity Ownership

 

The gene therapy developer appointed a new president, chief medical officer and chief of staff following the closing of its acquisition by private equity firms Carlysle and SK Capital.