Outrage over ‘excessively high’ price of Covid-19 drug, Remdesivir – Wall Street Journal

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in South Africa have taken on Gilead, manufacturers of the world's first Covid-19-mitigating drug, Remdesivir, following its "excessively high," dual pricing in the United States. The FDA has approved Remdesivir for emergency use, with the US government authorising which hospitals are prioritised. The drug's biggest value is in reducing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stays by several days. South Africa awaits wider local approval with State tertiary hospital ICUs in the Western Cape already full. Use in South Africa would potentially save hundreds of lives by enabling ICUs to turn patients around quicker, freeing up more beds. MSF says it knows from its global work what it means not to be able to treat people just because a much-needed drug is too expensive, or simply not available. Gilead has already given up a special designation from the FDA that would have allowed it monopoly control over the 20-year Remdesivir patents it has filed in more than 70 countries. It claims the drug will save hospitals up to R204 000 per patient via reduced lengths of stay and care. The drug's public sector price equates to R40 000 per patient, (for the shortest course), with privately-funded patients paying one third more. Generic drug makers claim they'll be able to provide a version at half these prices in India and Bangladesh. – Chris Bateman

Covid-19 drug Remdesivir to cost $3,120 for typical patient on private insurance

By Joseph Walker

Gilead Sciences Inc. GILD +1.22% detailed its pricing plans for Covid-19 drug remdesivir, saying it will charge U.S. hospitals $3,120 for a typical patient with commercial insurance.

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