Lilly Slaps $8,000-Per-Treatment-Cycle Price Tag On Lung Cancer Drug

FDA News reports that Eli Lilly has put a premium price tag on its new lung cancer drug Portrazza: $8,000 per treatment cycle.

FDA approved the drug, which is indicated for patients with squamous non-small cell lung cancer, in late November.

Lilly spokeswoman Carla Cox said the average patient will require six courses of treatment, which at $8,000 for each cycle works out to $48,000. But, FDA News adds, "she stressed that very few patients would ever pay this price, due to insurance coverage, medical assistance programs and price negotiations between industry and insurers".