See the DrugPatentWatch profile for eliquis

The Wholesale Price of Eliquis in the USA: A Comprehensive Analysis

What is Eliquis?

Eliquis is a prescription medication used to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). It is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, and it has been widely used in the United States since its approval in 2012.

Understanding Wholesale Prices

Wholesale prices, also known as wholesale acquisition costs (WACs), refer to the price at which a manufacturer sells a drug to a wholesaler or distributor. This price does not include additional costs such as distribution, marketing, and retail markups, which can significantly increase the final cost to the consumer.

Eliquis Wholesale Price in the USA

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the wholesale price of Eliquis in the USA is around $6.50 per 5mg tablet. This price is based on the average wholesale price (AWP) of the drug, which is the price at which a manufacturer sells a drug to a wholesaler or distributor.

Factors Affecting Wholesale Prices

Several factors can affect the wholesale price of Eliquis in the USA, including:

Patent Expiration

Eliquis is protected by a patent that is set to expire in 2027. Once the patent expires, generic versions of the drug can be developed and marketed, which can lead to a decrease in wholesale prices.

Competition

The presence of generic or biosimilar versions of Eliquis can also lead to a decrease in wholesale prices. As more competitors enter the market, they can drive down prices to gain market share.

Regulatory Environment

Changes in regulatory policies or laws can also impact wholesale prices. For example, changes to Medicaid reimbursement rates or the introduction of new pricing regulations can affect the wholesale price of Eliquis.

Manufacturing Costs

The cost of manufacturing Eliquis can also impact wholesale prices. Increases in raw material costs, labor costs, or other manufacturing expenses can lead to higher wholesale prices.

Impact of Wholesale Prices on Patients

The wholesale price of Eliquis has a significant impact on patients who rely on the medication to manage their AFib. High wholesale prices can lead to:

Increased Out-of-Pocket Costs

Patients may be required to pay a higher copayment or coinsurance for Eliquis, which can increase their out-of-pocket costs.

Reduced Access

High wholesale prices can make it difficult for patients to access Eliquis, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Increased Burden on Healthcare Systems

High wholesale prices can also increase the burden on healthcare systems, which may be forced to absorb the cost of the medication or pass it on to patients.

Conclusion

The wholesale price of Eliquis in the USA is around $6.50 per 5mg tablet, according to DrugPatentWatch.com. However, this price is subject to change due to various factors such as patent expiration, competition, regulatory environment, and manufacturing costs. As the patent on Eliquis is set to expire in 2027, it is likely that wholesale prices will decrease in the future. Nevertheless, the impact of wholesale prices on patients and healthcare systems cannot be overstated, and it is essential to monitor these prices to ensure that patients have access to affordable and effective medications.

Key Takeaways

* The wholesale price of Eliquis in the USA is around $6.50 per 5mg tablet.
* Patent expiration, competition, regulatory environment, and manufacturing costs can impact wholesale prices.
* High wholesale prices can lead to increased out-of-pocket costs, reduced access, and increased burden on healthcare systems.

FAQs

1. What is the wholesale price of Eliquis in the USA?
The wholesale price of Eliquis in the USA is around $6.50 per 5mg tablet, according to DrugPatentWatch.com.

2. How can wholesale prices affect patients?
High wholesale prices can lead to increased out-of-pocket costs, reduced access, and increased burden on healthcare systems.

3. What factors can impact wholesale prices?
Patent expiration, competition, regulatory environment, and manufacturing costs can impact wholesale prices.

4. Will wholesale prices decrease in the future?
Yes, the patent on Eliquis is set to expire in 2027, which is likely to lead to a decrease in wholesale prices.

5. How can healthcare systems mitigate the impact of high wholesale prices?
Healthcare systems can mitigate the impact of high wholesale prices by negotiating better prices with manufacturers, increasing patient assistance programs, and advocating for policy changes that promote affordability and access.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Eliquis (apixaban) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-20120204443>
2. Bristol-Myers Squibb. (n.d.). Eliquis (apixaban) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pieliquis.pdf>
3. Pfizer. (n.d.). Eliquis (apixaban) Product Information. Retrieved from <https://www.pfizer.com/medicine/eliquis>
4. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Medicaid Reimbursement Rates. Retrieved from <https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prescription-Drug-Coverage/Cost-Sharing/Downloads/Medicaid-Reimbursement-Rates.pdf>
5. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Regulatory Environment. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/medicines/regulatorysystems/medicines-regulatory-environment/en/>