Sovaldi: Different Prices for Different Nations
Gilead Sciences’ Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Treatment Drug Sovaldi came as a medical breakthrough with a 90% cure rate. However, this medical breakthrough comes with an eye popping price tag in the U.S. with no price break in sight. If you are looking to find Sovaldi at a lower cost you may consider a move to the UK, India, or Egypt where the price for Sovaldi pales in comparison to the U.S.
Sovaldi Price Discrepancy Across Four Countries
|
Country |
Cost of Sovaldi for Typical 12 Cycle Course of Treatment ($) |
Cost per Pill ($) |
Percent Difference of Cost, Relative to the U.S. Cost |
|
United States |
$ 84,000.00 |
$ 1,000.00 |
- |
|
$ 59,000.00 |
$ 590.00 |
30% Less than U.S. Cost |
|
|
$ 1,000.00 |
$ 10.00 |
99% Less than U.S. Cost |
|
|
$ 900.00 |
$ 9.00 |
99% Less than U.S. Cost |
Click on the country name in the above table for more information on the pricing of Sovaldi within that country.
In December 2014, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), filed a lawsuit against Sovaldi's manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, for the exorbitant pricing of the drug; specifically citing the rationale behind the high U.S. price compared to that of other countries. According to the filing of the lawsuit, SEPTA had already spent approximately $2.4 million, just in 2014, on Sovaldi (click here to read more about this lawsuit). With the large cost difference already resulting in at least one lawsuit, it begs the question, are more to follow?
Back to News