The new drug Kaftrio contains three components, which are also found in other products made by Vertex. Those are Symkevi, Orkambi and Kalydeco. They are all so-called CFTR modulators, agents that act on the CFTR gene that plays a central role in cystic fibrosis.
The Zorginstituut argues that Kaftrio is a further developed variant of Symkevi and that many of the development and research costs were therefore already incurred and reimbursed in the price. That is why, according to the institute, you should expect the price of the new drug to be lower.
Impact on health care budget
The asking price of Kaftrio amounts to more than 194,000 euros per patient per year. There are about 1400 patients with cystic fibrosis in the Netherlands. The Zorginstituut estimates that the total costs can thus amount to 156 million euros per year.
It has been taken into account that not all patients will use Kaftrio and that not everyone is completely adherent to therapy.
On the other hand, manufacturer Vertex expects to come up with two new indications in 2021 where Kaftrio can be prescribed, with a total of 300 patients. After this year, there will be further expansions of indication, which would further increase the impact of the new drug on the healthcare budget.
Negotiate
The Zorginstituut therefore advises the minister to start price negotiations in order to achieve a price reduction of Kaftrio of at least 75 percent.
Furthermore, the minister should make new price agreements on all CFTR modulators, preferably in a European context. In this way, according to the Zorginstituut, an end could be put to the practice that Vertex again asks the main prize for every step it takes.
–
