How much does a box of vosoritide cost?

Voxzogo (vosoritide) is used to increase bone growth in certain achondroplasias (ACH achondroplasia of dwarfism; a genetic condition that causes short arms and legs). Vosoritide is in a class of drugs called C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) analogs. It promotes bone growth by increasing the growth of cartilage cells.

In patients with achondroplasia, the FGFR3 gene, which regulates growth, is permanently "switched on." This prevents the bone from growing properly, causing the bone to be shorter than normal. The active substance in Voxzogo, vosoritide, works by binding to a receptor (target) called type B natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-B), which reduces the activity of FGFR3. This stimulates bone growth, thereby improving symptoms of the disease.

This medicine is only available with a prescription. Voxzogo treatment must be initiated and supervised by a physician experienced in treating bone growth disorders or abnormal growths. Voxzogo is administered as a subcutaneous injection once daily, preferably at the same time of day. The injection site should be changed with each injection. Recommended dosage is based on patient weight. Treatment should be started only if genetic testing confirms achondroplasia and should be stopped when the patient is unlikely to grow further.

The original drug of Voxzogo is not currently on the market in China, so domestic patients cannot purchase this drug. Overseas, Voxzogo's original drug is sold in the European Union, the United States and other places. Since this disease is relatively rare, this drug has also been designated as an 'orphan drug'. The price of each box of 0.5 6mg*10 injections is about more than 50,000 yuan (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is very expensive.