Japan: Gene therapy drug “Solgensma” approved: 200 million yen per dose

Japan: Gene therapy drug “Solgensma” approved: 200 million yen per dose

Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare: Special Working Group

On February 26, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare / Special Committee approved “Sales of the world’s highest drug in Japan”.

Production and sale of Sorgensma, a spinal muscular atrophy / gene therapy drug, is licensed in Japan.

It is expected to be officially approved in March.

Spinal muscular atrophy:

Spinal muscular atrophy is an intractable disease that causes muscle atrophy and dyspnea by about half a year after birth.

This is the second gene therapy drug in Japan.

Pharmaceutical giant: Novartis Pharma

Pharmaceutical giant Novartis Pharma has applied.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it last May.

A single dose ends treatment, but costs in the United States are more than 200 million yen.

May this year: insurance applied

With approval in Japan, insurance will be applied in May this year.

High drug prices can affect the funding of public health insurance.

Society (TOKYO Web)

https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/s/article/2020022601001280.html