New sickle cell gene therapies are a breakthrough, but solving how to pay their high prices is a struggle
Publishing timestamp: 2024-02-23 11:01:10
Summary
Health officials are working to ensure equitable access to high-cost gene therapies for sickle cell disease, which predominantly affects Black people and people of color. The Biden administration is negotiating discounts with Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Bluebird Bio for federal and state Medicaid programs. However, challenges remain in providing access to costly treatments, and concerns about cost and infrastructure are raised. Discussions are ongoing to address these issues and make new treatments more accessible.
Sentiment: MIXED
Tickers: VRTX, MRK, BLUE, LLY,
Keywords: bluebird bio inc, social issues, science, merck & co inc, business news, pharmaceuticals, health insurance, eli lilly and co, health care industry, vertex pharmaceuticals inc, business,