The most expensive drug in history costs 1.1 million euros

In Germany, the most expensive drug in history has been launched on the market. It is the medication "Glybera", which is part of gene therapy for lipoprotein lipase deficiency, a very rare hereditary disease. The price of the therapy amounts to an incredible 1.1 million euros, world media report, as carried by the Bosnian news agency Patria. 

Work on this drug lasted nearly 25 years, and it is produced by the Dutch biotech company "UniQure."

Although the drug was ready for use two years ago, approval for market launch was delayed in order to gather additional data on its effectiveness.

One ampoule of the drug costs 53,000 euros, and it is sufficient for two injections. Treating a typical patient requires 42 injections, or 21 ampoules, which totals 1.1 million euros!

The drug will most likely become commercially available to patients in February 2015. In Europe, there are currently about two hundred patients who are excellent candidates for this type of therapy.

From "UniQure" they say that "the drug is expensive, but it is cost-effective because a patient who receives the mentioned dose can be stable for at least six years, and possibly longer or even for life."

Until now, patients had to permanently receive also very expensive enzyme therapy, which in total cost much more. "UniQure" is currently working on gene therapies for hemophilia and sudden heart conditions.