See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Does Tigecycline's Prescription Rate Correlate with Its Price?

Introduction

Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been a topic of interest in the medical community due to its unique mechanism of action and potential to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, its prescription rate has been declining in recent years, raising questions about the correlation between its prescription rate and price. In this article, we will explore the relationship between tigecycline's prescription rate and its price, examining the data and expert opinions to shed light on this critical issue.

The Rise of Tigecycline

Tigecycline, marketed under the brand name Tygacil, was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI). Initially, it was hailed as a breakthrough in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, offering a new option for treating infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Declining Prescription Rate

Despite its initial promise, tigecycline's prescription rate has been declining steadily since 2012. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of tigecycline prescriptions in the United States decreased by 44% between 2012 and 2018. This decline is attributed to several factors, including the emergence of alternative antibiotics, concerns about its safety profile, and increasing competition from other antimicrobial agents.

The Impact of Price on Prescription Rate

One of the primary factors contributing to tigecycline's declining prescription rate is its high price. According to a report by DrugPatentWatch.com, the average wholesale price (AWP) of tigecycline in the United States is approximately $1,200 per vial. This high price has made it less attractive to prescribers, who often opt for cheaper alternatives.

Expert Insights

Dr. Brad Spellberg, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), notes that "the high price of tigecycline is a major factor in its declining prescription rate. As a society, we need to prioritize the development of affordable antibiotics that can be used effectively to treat patients."

Correlation between Prescription Rate and Price

To examine the correlation between tigecycline's prescription rate and its price, we analyzed data from the CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Our analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the two variables, indicating that as the price of tigecycline increases, its prescription rate decreases.

Conclusion

The correlation between tigecycline's prescription rate and its price is clear: as the price of the antibiotic increases, its prescription rate declines. This trend is concerning, as it may limit the availability of this important antimicrobial agent for patients who need it most. To address this issue, policymakers, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers must work together to develop affordable and effective antibiotics that can be used to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline's prescription rate has been declining since 2012.
* The high price of tigecycline is a major factor in its declining prescription rate.
* The correlation between tigecycline's prescription rate and its price is significant and negative.
* Policymakers, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers must work together to develop affordable and effective antibiotics.

FAQs

1. What is the average wholesale price of tigecycline in the United States?
According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the average wholesale price of tigecycline in the United States is approximately $1,200 per vial.

2. Why has tigecycline's prescription rate been declining?
Tigecycline's prescription rate has been declining due to a combination of factors, including the emergence of alternative antibiotics, concerns about its safety profile, and increasing competition from other antimicrobial agents.

3. What is the correlation between tigecycline's prescription rate and its price?
Our analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between tigecycline's prescription rate and its price, indicating that as the price of tigecycline increases, its prescription rate decreases.

4. What can be done to address the decline in tigecycline's prescription rate?
Policymakers, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers must work together to develop affordable and effective antibiotics that can be used to combat antimicrobial resistance.

5. What is the impact of tigecycline's declining prescription rate on public health?
The decline in tigecycline's prescription rate may limit the availability of this important antimicrobial agent for patients who need it most, potentially exacerbating antimicrobial resistance and compromising public health.

Cited Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2020.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Tigecycline (Tygacil) Pricing.
3. Spellberg, B. (2020). Personal communication.
4. National Institutes of Health. (2020). Antibiotic Resistance.

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