Novartis International AG has reportedly announced that it has received approval for its cancer therapy called Kymriah, issued by the European Commission. The approved gene-modifying treatment will be used initially to treat young adults up to 25 years of age suffering with B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and adult patients down with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
The one-time therapy that’s said to treat blood cancer by fighting T-cells in the patient’s system, will supposedly modify their bodies to fight off bad cells and then re-infuse new cells. The treatment is also approved in both indications in the United States.
According to sources close to the development, with an investment of $90.39 million Novartis will establish more facilities to continue manufacturing Kymriah. The pharma claimed therapy will cost about $475,000 for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and $373,000 for patients afflicted with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Formerly, Novartis had gained appreciation for its groundbreaking work pertaining to therapy exclusively for dying patients who didn’t respond to other drugs. However, officials were aghast by the prices, which apparently makes Kymriah one of the most expensive treatments.
In the United States, Novartis will only accept charges if patients with lymphoblastic leukemia show signs of recovery by the end of the first month. Meanwhile, discussions in terms of European pricing are still in progress.
In a statement to sources, Novartis revealed that Kymriah’s availability will differ for each country, based on factors like the establishment of licensed facilities for the appropriate indications and completion of a fixed payment agreement.
Post its launch in the United States, the treatment earned $28 million in sales, which is estimated to surpass $1 billion as soon as the demand begins to grow. In the meantime, the pharma firm plans to commence therapies to European patients at least by 2020.