Many New Oncology Drugs In 2012, With Prices That Test The Limits

Ten thousand dollars per month for new oncology drugs has become just about standard, and the trend is not likely to go away soon. Drug makers in 2012 found pricing in oncology to be inelastic and continue to test the boundaries within which payors – and society – will play.

Just two years ago, Dendreon Corp. found itself in the hot seat as payors and physicians questioned the high price of its prostate cancer immunotherapy Provenge (sipuleucel-T). The therapy launched in April 2010 at $93,000 for a three-course treatment, (SeeAlso see "Dendreon Set To Ship Provenge Within A Week" - Pink Sheet, 29 April, 2010.) and its eventual acceptance paved the way for a higher price ceiling for cancer drugs.

Ten thousand dollars per month for new oncology drugs has become just about standard, and the trend is not likely...

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