Drug price raised 5,000% after rights change hands

The price of Daraprim has shot from $13.50 per pill to $750.  The drug combats toxoplasmosis, a parasite that attacks patients with a compromised immune system.

Those with cancer, HIV and even pregnant women use the drug.

The cost explosion has nothing to do with a shortage or manufacturing problems. Instead, it’s tied to a change in the company with the rights to market the drug.

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Drug to be discounted or free for some

Turing Pharmaceuticals made the adjustment after acquiring the medication from Impax Laboratories. “This is a tremendous increase,’ Judith Aberg told USA Today. Aberg is with the HIV Medicine Association.

“Even patients with insurance could have trouble affording the medication.” The CDC says victims often feel like they have the flu, but the illness can progress and cause brain damage and blindness.

Turing spokesman Craig Rothenberg claims the company will work with patients, even making the drug free for the uninsured. He also says money from sales of Daraprim will go back into research. “There has been no innovation in dealing with toxoplasmosis,” he began.

More here.   

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