Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
U.S. Has Highest Price For Cancer Drugs, But Treatment Is More Affordable Than In Poorer Countries
Cancer drugs predictably cost much more in the U.S. than in poor countries and even other wealthy nations, but a study shows they are less affordable in some developing countries despite the lower price. Relative to their ability to pay, cancer patients in China and India face much higher prices than wealthier U.S. patients, according to the research released Monday. Australia had the most affordable prices, for both cancer medicines under patent and less-expensive generics. (6/6)
Americans pay the highest prices in the world for cancer drugs, but the treatments are least affordable in lower income countries, according to the results of a new study released on Monday. The study of cancer drug prices in seven countries, which did not take into account discounts or rebates to list prices, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago. The lowest drug prices were found in India and South Africa. But after calculating price as a percentage of wealth adjusted for the cost of living, cancer drugs appeared to be least affordable in India and China. (Beasley, 6/6)