The highly anticipated Crispr-based gene therapy, Casgevy, has finally entered the pharmaceutical market, but its introduction is met with a mix of excitement and trepidation. As one of the most expensive treatments in the world, costing $2.2 million, the industry is bracing itself for the challenges that come with it.
The article discusses the challenges associated with the introduction of a new gene therapy called Casgevy (also known as Zolgensma) that is designed to treat sickle cell anemia. Here are some key points:
- High cost: The treatment costs $2.2 million, making it one of the most expensive drugs in the world.
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Complexity: The therapy involves editing a patient’s stem cells with Crispr and returning them to the body, which requires specialized equipment and expertise.
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Insurance coverage: Insurers have started covering Casgevy, but there are still challenges in getting authorization, especially for patients on Medicaid.
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Infrastructure requirements: Hospitals need to complete an assessment to ensure they can perform the cell collections and sign an agreement with Vertex, the manufacturer of Casgevy.
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Timing: The treatment requires a significant amount of time, including several months of preparation and a hospital stay, which can be challenging for patients who have other commitments or responsibilities.
The article also highlights the potential benefits of Casgevy in treating sickle cell anemia, which is a devastating disease that affects many people worldwide. One patient, Chow, hopes that the treatment will eliminate his pain and allow him to pursue activities he previously couldn’t do, such as snowboarding.
Overall, while there are challenges associated with introducing Casgevy, the potential benefits of this therapy make it an important development in the field of sickle cell anemia treatment.
- wired.com | The World’s First Crispr Drug Gets a Slow Start
