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FDA Approves Most Expensive Medicine in U.S. History

TUESDAY, May 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The most expensive medicine ever has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Latest Neurology News

Zolgensma is a one-time infusion gene therapy that costs $2.125 million and treats a rare disorder called spinal muscular atrophy, the Associated Press reported.

The inherited condition weakens muscles to the point that the child becomes unable to move, and eventually can’t swallow or breathe. The condition affects about 400 babies born in the U.S. each year.

Zolgensma is sold by Swiss drugmaker Novartis. The company said it will allow insurers to make payments over five years, at $425,000 per year. Out-of-pocket costs for patients will vary based on insurance coverage, the AP reported.

There is another FDA-approved medicine approved for spinal muscular atrophy. It’s Biogen’s Spinraza and is given every four months. The list price is $750,000 for the first year and $350,000 a year after that.

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Source: MedicineNet.com