When the number of people affected by an ailment is relatively small, often only involving hundreds, the financial burden of research has a significant impact on the cost of treatment. Here are the list of the top 10 treatments that cost the most money per patient worldwide.
Carbaglu (API Name- Carglumic acid)
Patients with excessive blood levels of ammonia are treated with carbaglu. There aren’t many individuals who are suggested for this type of treatment because the indication region is limited to a few uncommon illnesses.
The price for 5 tablets (each containing 200 mg of active substance) is around $1,040, and depending on the severity of the condition, yearly treatment cost can build up to $790,000.
Ravicti (API Name- Glycerol Phenylbutyrate)
The drug is used to treat patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs). Aside from precisely defined dosage and intake dynamics, patients who suffer UCDs need to adhere to a rigorous dietary regiment.
Ravicti comes as an oral solution in 25mL vials, with a price of $5,016 per vial. The body surface area and the patient’s age determines the dosage, so the yearly cost of treatment can reach up to $794,000.
Luxturna (API Voretigene neparvovec)
Luxturna treats adults and children with a specific kind of retinal dystrophy (mutations in gene RPE65). The drug is given as an intraocular injection after a few days of preparation.
It is a one-time treatment with a price tag of $850,000.
Zokinvy (API Name- Ionafarnib)
The first and only medication used to lower the risk of death in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome is zokinvy. About one in 20 million people worldwide suffer from the exceedingly rare condition known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). It causes young people to age far more quickly than normal, which causes the majority of patients to pass away from cardiac illnesses before the age of 15.
It is used twice a day with a year’s supply worth more than 1 million dollars – $1,032,480
Zolgensma (API Onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi)
The medication, which is available as a suspension for intravenous infusion, is intended for use in children under the age of two who have SMA, even if they are not yet exhibiting symptoms (the diagnosis is made through genetic testing). It is the most expensive drug ever produced.
It is a one-time treatment with a price tag of $2,125,000.