Nusinersen Sodium Injection is currently the most expensive drug in China, with a bottle of 700,000 yuan, or 7,000 yuan per drop. This drug is commonly used for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare and serious genetic disorder that affects more than 30,000 patients with SMA nationwide.
SMA mainly affects the motor neurons of infants and young children, causing the muscles to function properly, resulting in symptoms such as muscle weakness and atrophy. This process is like the process of a fat doll slowly losing weight. In the most severe cases, it can lead to paralysis and breathing weakness.
Studies have shown that SMA patients are caused by a deletion of a gene called SMN1, which is responsible for the production of the SMN protein, which is key to maintaining the survival of motor neurons. However, there is no way to find the best solution, nusinersen sodium injection can increase the production of SMN protein, thereby alleviating SMA symptoms.
However, this drug** is expensive and unaffordable for the average family. After negotiations with the medical insurance department this year, the drug has been included in the medical insurance, and the ** has been reduced from 700,000 yuan to 33,000 yuan. This allows more patients to benefit.
However, pharmaceutical companies have already paid a huge cost to develop this drug, and if the drug is reduced too much, the company that is conducive to investment and R&D in the future will be hit.
Overall, the high cost of this drug** is a problem. However, it is more feasible to use the agency to negotiate or find a way to provide financial assistance, while also taking into account the benefits of the pharmaceutical company's R&D costs.
Ultimately, we need to better balance the interests of both sides to better enhance the development of public health and pharmaceutical research.