Cancer Drug Prices 'Unsustainable,' International Researchers Charge

By Joe Elia

The cost of cancer drugs has drawn protest from an international group of leukemia specialists. Their statement, published in Blood, is signed by some researchers whose work is supported by the very drug company, Novartis, that is the focus of their denunciations.

Using imatinib (Gleevec) as an example of what's wrong, the authors point out that its price tripled from $30,000 per year in the U.S. at its 2001 introduction to over $90,000 in 2012. This occurred even in the face of competition, which is also priced, they write, "at astronomical levels." The authors observe that free-market economics has failed to reduce the prices of cancer drugs and offer "collusive behavior" as one explanation for the failure.

In the belief that "unsustainable drug prices" may be causing harm to patients, the 120 signers offer to organize regular meetings to address these concerns.

Novartis, responding through an official, said it welcomes the dialogue.