why is entresto so expensive

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10-10-2024

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Why is Entresto So Expensive? Unpacking the Cost of a Life-Saving Medication

Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) is a medication prescribed for heart failure that has revolutionized treatment, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. However, its high cost has sparked debate and raised questions about affordability and access to essential medical care.

What Makes Entresto Different?

Entresto's effectiveness stems from its unique mechanism of action. It inhibits neprilysin, an enzyme that breaks down protective peptides in the heart, while simultaneously blocking the harmful effects of angiotensin II. This dual-action approach has been proven to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization for patients with heart failure (1).

The Price Tag: A Complex Equation

So, why is Entresto so expensive? Several factors contribute to its high cost:

• Research & Development: Developing a new drug like Entresto requires significant investment in clinical trials, research, and regulatory processes. These costs are factored into the final price.
• Limited Competition: Currently, there are no generic alternatives to Entresto, and it holds a dominant position in the market for specific heart failure treatments. This lack of competition can lead to higher prices (2).
• Marketing & Distribution: Pharmaceuticals invest heavily in marketing and distribution channels to ensure their products reach doctors and patients. These costs are often reflected in the price.
• Intellectual Property: Patents protect the exclusive rights to manufacture and sell Entresto for a specific period. This exclusivity can contribute to higher prices as the pharmaceutical company can control the market without facing direct competition (3).
• Value-Based Pricing: Some argue that Entresto's high price reflects its value in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs in the long term. However, this argument is debated, and the true cost-effectiveness of Entresto remains under scrutiny.

The Impact of Cost on Patients

The high cost of Entresto presents a significant barrier to access for many patients. This can lead to:

• Medication Non-Adherence: Patients may struggle to afford the medication, leading them to skip doses or discontinue treatment altogether. This can negatively impact their health and overall well-being.
• Financial Burden: The cost of Entresto can place a considerable strain on household budgets, especially for individuals with limited financial resources.
• Disparities in Care: The cost of Entresto may disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, leading to inequities in access to life-saving treatment.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing the high cost of Entresto requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Promoting Competition: Encouraging generic drug development and promoting market competition can help drive down prices.
• Negotiation and Transparency: Healthcare systems and insurance companies can negotiate lower prices with pharmaceutical companies, and transparency around pricing strategies can help control costs.
• Patient Assistance Programs: Pharmaceutical companies can offer patient assistance programs to make their medications more affordable for those in need.
• Policy Changes: Regulatory policies can be implemented to promote price negotiation and transparency, and incentivize generic drug development.

Moving Forward: A Need for Collaboration

The high cost of Entresto underscores the need for collaboration between policymakers, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and patient advocacy groups. Finding solutions that balance innovation, affordability, and access to essential medical care is crucial for ensuring that everyone benefits from advancements in medicine.

References:

1. McMurray, J. J., Packer, M., Desai, A. S., et al. (2014). Angiotensin-Neprilysin Inhibition Versus Enalapril in Heart Failure. New England Journal of Medicine, 371(11), 995-1004.
2. "Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan): A Review of its Use in Heart Failure," Drugs, 76(12), 1393-1405.
3. "Pharmaceutical Patents: An Overview," Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, 18(3), 177-183.

Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.