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National News See other National News Articles Title: Celgene charges $1,000 for cancer drug that costs 25 cents to make Celgene’s cancer drug pricing has sparked outrage, with patients paying $1,000 per pill for a medication that costs just 25 cents to produce. The drug in question, Revlimid, is a derivative of Thalidomide, a compound infamous for causing severe birth defects in the 1950s and 1960s. Despite its dark history, Thalidomide was repurposed as a treatment for multiple myeloma, a deadly blood cancer. While Revlimid has extended thousands of lives, its staggering price tag has placed it out of reach for many patients. The numbers tell a troubling story. Revlimid has generated over $100 billion in total sales, making it one of the most profitable drugs in history. Yet the cost to manufacture each pill remains less than a dollar. Patients who rely on the drug often face financial ruin, forced into debt or left with no choice but to stop treatment. This is not about innovation, it’s about profit. Celgene, now owned by Bristol Myers Squibb, has aggressively defended its pricing, arguing that research and development costs justify the high price. However, critics point out that the company has spent far more on marketing and executive compensation than on actual drug development. The tactics used to maintain Revlimid’s monopoly are equally disturbing. Celgene has repeatedly blocked generic competition, filing over 50 patents to extend its exclusivity. The company has also been accused of paying off potential competitors to delay cheaper alternatives from entering the market. Patients and advocacy groups have called for government intervention, but regulatory action has been slow. The impact of these pricing schemes extends beyond individual patients. Insurance premiums continue to rise, driven in part by the exorbitant cost of drugs like Revlimid. Taxpayer-funded programs such as Medicare and Medicaid bear the burden, funneling billions into pharmaceutical giants while patients struggle to afford life-saving treatments. SOURCES: https://lite.cnn.com/2025/05/10/health/revlimid-price-of-remission- propublica https://www.yahoo.com/news/price-remission-160051536.html https://www.propublica.org/article/revlimid-price-cancer-celgene-drugs- fda-multiple-myeloma Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
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