This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Has anyone herd a projection of the expected costs of this treatment if it isnt subsidised?

Hi Cure,

I have no idea, but I know my neuro said he would expect it to be very expensive, because it is such an individualized treatment. I hope he's wrong!

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Take care, Ewizabeth Previously Avonex, Rebif & Copaxone RRMS ~Tysabri, 31 infusions, ended 9/09. Starting Copaxone 12/09, waiting for Cladribine to be approved in 2010.

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I would be suprised if they were "only" at the cost of the crabs, which is why I asked this question. IF it proves to be as effective as all seem to be saying, its looking 3 times as effective at least, so I think the market will "bear" a whole lot more.

One of my concerns is that it wont make it onto the govt subsidy program here in aus as soon as it is available in the USA, and hence, we may have to go the private route if we want it sooner. Its possible that there may even be a delay before its available in the USA as opexa negotiate with the insurance companies over the cost. I am interested to see if any discussion has been raised yet (which you obviously think there has been no noise, how about a leak?), or are they waiting till after the trials when they'll know their position would be so much stronger (if it is so effective). I think the only thing that will weaken their barganing point will be that other firms are developing similar treatments.

That raises the question, are they providing the treatment to people who are not or have never been on any trials? how much are they charging if they do? I mean, can anyone pay to get Tovaxin now?

If the crabs can mass produce somethiing, package it, get the user to self inject, for not much less than this, I think the Tovaxin process would find it an easy argument for this amount.

Tovaxin is not FDA approved yet. Nobody will be able to get it outside of a trial until it is.

If this ends up being as good as expected, and it cures, or halts type I diabetes and MS, it will be very expensive I'm sure. They can't mass produce it, no matter what, because each batch is unique, manufactured from the patient, for the patient. That will be part of the expense I'm sure. Imagine the controls that will have to be in place to have it done properly on a large scale. It might be more than $20,000, maybe much more. Let's just hope that it does what they're hoping it does. Maybe they'll be able to streamline production somehow to lessen the cost eventually.

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Take care, Ewizabeth Previously Avonex, Rebif & Copaxone RRMS ~Tysabri, 31 infusions, ended 9/09. Starting Copaxone 12/09, waiting for Cladribine to be approved in 2010.

I am guessing Aimspro is not FDA approved, but it can be attained, and used. If not in the US, in many other coutries.

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Bob,

Well said. It will be expensive, but hopefully covered by insurance and medicare/medicaid once it is approved. But first we have to get it approved. Let's hope that we're making somewhat accurate predictions. If not this, then something else, and soon.

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Take care, Ewizabeth Previously Avonex, Rebif & Copaxone RRMS ~Tysabri, 31 infusions, ended 9/09. Starting Copaxone 12/09, waiting for Cladribine to be approved in 2010.

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good find.

Wow, that's less than Tysabri! Way to go Bob! Thanks for finding it!

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Take care, Ewizabeth Previously Avonex, Rebif & Copaxone RRMS ~Tysabri, 31 infusions, ended 9/09. Starting Copaxone 12/09, waiting for Cladribine to be approved in 2010.

Bob, you are an internet search and find God.