SOLIRIS: THE MOST EXPENSIVE MEDICINE IN THE WORLD

At the top of the list is Soliris (eculizumab), produced by Alexion Pharmaceuticals to treat, ahem, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. PNH is a rare and life-threatening disease and is the only form of hemolytic anemia—a deficiency in red blood cells caused by their destruction, as opposed to low production—that is acquired rather than inherited.

PNH affects approximately 8,000 Americans. It’s because of that low figure that Alexion can charge $409,500 per year for the most expensive drug in the world. The rarity of the condition means there are very few competitors to compete with for pricing.

DRUG GUIDE

Your initial Soliris treatment (induction phase) involves a 600-mg infusion once a week for the first 4 weeks. Starting at Week 5, you will receive a 900-mg infusion every 2 weeks (maintenance phase). It is very important to make sure that you do not miss any scheduled treatments in order to continue to control hemolysis and to experience the full benefits of Soliris therapy.

Soliris is administered through an intravenous infusion (introduction of a solution into a vein). The 35-minute infusion must be prepared and administered by a qualified, licensed healthcare professional, usually at a healthcare clinic, doctor’s office, or infusion center.

For best results:

• It's important not to miss any treatments. Soliris only controls hemolysis as long as you
  take it
• Make sure your doctor knows about any other drugs you are taking
• Speak with your doctor before you take any vitamins, over-the-counter drugs, or natural supplements, as these may affect your therapy as well

SIDE EFFECTS:

Soliris^® is generally well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events observed in clinical studies were:

• Headache
• A runny nose (nasopharyngitis)
• Back pain
• Nausea
• Tiredness (fatigue)

Overall, the rate of side effects was similar to placebo in clinical trials. For example, the number of headaches that occurred was similar between patients taking Soliris and those on placebo after the first 2 weeks of therapy.