Why are Eltrombopag/Eltrombopag ethanolamine tablets so expensive?

Eltrombopag/ Eltrombopag is a relatively new oral medication that stimulates the bone marrow to produce platelets. Eltrombopag is used to correct thrombocytopenia caused by various diseases, such as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), aplastic anemia (AA), and thrombocytopenia associated with chronic hepatitis C infection. Eltrombopag may help control the condition but does not cure it. Eltrombopag is usually started at a low dose of 12.5 mg or 25 mg daily. The dose is gradually increased to maintain the platelet count at least greater than 50,000/mm to prevent bleeding.

The research and development process of new drugs requires a large investment of money, time and manpower, including animal testing, clinical trials and research. As an innovative drug, eltrombopag’s research and development costs are naturally no exception. These huge investments need to be recovered through drug sales, so the drug's pricing will be relatively high. The special efficacy of eltrombopag makes eltrombopag irreplaceable in the treatment of certain diseases, resulting in its higher price. When purchasing medicines, patients should pay attention to the special effects of the medicines and their own needs, and make reasonable choices under the guidance of a doctor.

Eltrombopag The current price of the original drug on the domestic market is about more than 2,000 to 4,000 yuan, and the price of the original drug sold overseas may be more than 1,000 yuan (prices may fluctuate due to exchange rates). The price of generic Eltrombopag drugs sold overseas may be several hundred RMB (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is lower than the price of the original drug, but the ingredients of the two drugs are basically the same.

In general, although Eltrombopag is an efficient and safe drug for the treatment of thrombocytopenia, although the price is relatively high, patients may still find more affordable treatment options through medical insurance reimbursement and the selection of generic drugs in overseas markets.