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

 
• By Jessica Merrill

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. 

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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 like hemophilia A – with more patients eligible for treatment than for other gene therapies – is going to heighten concerns about paying for them. The company has floated a price tag of $2m-$3m as one that would fairly reflect the treatment’s value

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