Hi Everyone....My son works for a large Pharmaceutical Company, and I also asked why the drugs we use cost so much. This was his answer. It takes Millions + to develop these drugs and they have to charge the amounts that they do to recoup the costs of developing them. After talking to him, it made sense to me. Yes, they make a profit, but developing them costs bundles. We are so lucky to have these CML drugs, as a lot of us wouldn't be here without them. Millie ----- Original Message ----- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 3:27 PM Subject: Re: [CMLHope] Re: Gleevic/Tasigna
I have a little different take....there are relatively few CML cases in the world compared to other forms of Cancer so the volume base to recover development costs is pretty small. There will still be the option to use generic Gleevec when the patents run out and it will be cheaper...but Tasigna is a second generation drug that is more powerful and works on more mutations than Gleevec. Ditto for Sprycel. They both are used now after Gleevec stops working. The study referred to is one that looks at using Tasigna first as an initial treatment because it is stronger and has fewer side effects for some. We CMLers are blessed to have drugs that attack the cancer directly and are relatively free from major side effects. We pay handsomely for them...but it is sure better than the alternative of 10 years ago! Tom in Ky In a message dated 8/2/2010 12:45:12 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: Hi all: Here's my take on this "Tasigna over Gleevec" possible change in protocol & you can take it for what ever it's worth. I try to have a positive outlook on things and would like to think everyone is honest and with integrity. But, with so much happening in our country.......I've become somewhat "jaded" & tend more to think the worst now. Novartis is soon to lose it's hold on the patent of Gleevec......what, three to four years......which will allow generic brands to be made, thus making it less expensive. (My one month supply is now $4460). When the article first came out a few months ago where they were discussing about making Tasigna the "go to" drug Doctors would begin choosing to treat CML, I kind of figured it then that it all comes down to "greed" on the drug companies part. Sorry, but, I just can't help it when one sees the money these drug companies make a year........it is totally insane. Just my opinion (which really isn't worth much, LOL) Suzieq -- [CMLHope] A support group of http://cmlhope.com ------------------------------------------------- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CMLHope" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/CMLHope -- [CMLHope] A support group of http://cmlhope.com ------------------------------------------------- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CMLHope" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/CMLHope -- [CMLHope] A support group of http://cmlhope.com ------------------------------------------------- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CMLHope" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/CMLHope
