Imports of blood drug approved
China approves imports of recombinant factor VIII.
What an interesting little article!
We can complain, whether on the left, right or center, about U.S. government bureaucracy, the FDA, etc. But how about this gem,
“The authorities imposed the ban in 1986, in response to a case of HIV infection caused by imported factor VIII that was detected around 1983.”
So the Chinese communists banned foreign-made factor for 20 years although there hasn’t been a case of viral transmission from a factor product since 1990-1991 (reference needed). Interesting.
And how about this:
“Larry Zhang, regional head for Asia Pacific of Bayer Healthcare, said the treatment would be made available at a lower price in China than in other countries because of the financial difficulties that many patients here face and the lack of a comprehensive health insurance scheme.”
“…lack of a comprehensive health insurance scheme.” In other words the deep pockets of a third party payer.
“Recombinant-clotting factor will cost no more than 5 yuan (65 cents) in China, Zhang said. The average international price is 30 yuan.”
I’m no math whiz but if 5 yuan is $.65 then the average international price of 30 yuan is $3.90. That seems to be about 2-3 times the U.S. price (or at least a reasonable U.S. price).
Doc's a role model in triathlon
Hemophilia doc runs marathons and triathlons. Calling Dr. Hoots to the starting line.
Is Flamel Catching On?
From the Motley fool:
Flamel Technologies has signed a deal to develop an improved formulation of an unnamed Wyeth drug.
"BeneFIX and ReFacto both fit the criteria for compounds that could benefit from Flamel's Medusa platform. They are proteins for which a new long-lasting formulation would definitely increase patient convenience and compliance, especially since they are administered intravenously or via an injection. Equally as important is that the drugs lose patent protection in 2011 and 2010, respectively."
Competition for longer lasting factor products is always welcome. Choice and competition can only benefit the consumer.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
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1 comment:
Dr. Hoots To the Finish Line.
I discovered your blog and was fascinated by all the information. Then I read about Dr. Hoots in a marathon. I remember Keith from long ago at my hemophilia camp in South Carolina. I believe he was a resident at the time. Chapel Hill offered his services wondering if his young family could attend also. Of course the answer was yes. We were so glad to have both he and his family. It was a grand summer for us all. This had to be sometime in the late 1970's. Let me tell you he looked like a kid himself! I have followed his career from afar for many years and am so proud of his many
contributions to our community.
Every mother knows the fear of inhibitors. We had a number of boys with inhibitors attend our camp when there was little to do for a bleed. I can only imagine how difficult this was for your family. But your son looks like
he came through that time with flying colors. Many thanks for your efforts and please give a shout-out to Keith when you see him. Tell him I'm rooting for him.
Linda Robertson
PS Hard to believe but our son, severe Factor 8, is almost 40 and doing well.
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