FDA Approves Gene Therapy, Manufacturer Prices Drug at Record $2.8 Million

  • Aug 25, 2022

    After the FDA approved Zynteglo (betibeglogene autotemcel) on Aug. 17, the gene therapy’s manufacturer, bluebird bio, Inc., announced the drug would have a $2.8 million wholesale acquisition cost (WAC). That is the highest WAC for a drug hitting the market in the U.S.  

    Zynteglo is indicated as a potential cure for patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia, a rare disorder caused by genetic mutations in cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Such patients typically require red blood cell transfusions every two to five weeks. 

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  • Tim Casey

    Tim has been a reporter and editor for newspapers, websites and magazines for more than 20 years, including 10 years covering health care business topics. He has a deep knowledge of the managed care industry and pharmacy benefit management. He also has experience covering medical conferences and clinical and legislative health care issues. In 2014, the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing selected Tim as one of 15 journalists to participate in a national symposium on the Affordable Care Act. Tim has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from Georgetown University.

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