How much does Obeticholic acid tablets cost? Are they expensive?

Obeticholic acid is a representative innovative drug in the field of international liver diseases. It is mainly used for the long-term management of cholestatic liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Due to its novel mechanism of action, high research and development costs, and the relatively small number of people it is suitable for, the price issue has always been a focus of concern for patients and their families. Judging from the current actual situation, obeticholic acid has not been officially approved for marketing in mainland China, so domestic hospitals and pharmacies cannot legally sell it, and it cannot be included in the national medical insurance system. The so-called "domestic price" does not exist.

Referring to overseas market information, the original drug of obeticholic acid has been on the market in Europe and the United States and other countries for many years. The common dosage forms are5mg 30 tablets and 10mg 30 tablets, which are mainly used for long-term maintenance treatment. Because they are original research and innovative drugs, their pricing is generally high. The price of a single box is usually in the range of tens of thousands of yuan. When converted into RMB, it often exceeds 20,000 yuan, and will fluctuate depending on exchange rates, regions and supply channels. For patients with chronic liver disease who need to take long-term medication, such a cost burden is indeed heavy, and it also limits its use scope to a certain extent.

Precisely because the original drug is expensive, a variety of generic versions of obeticholic acid have gradually appeared in overseas markets. These generic drugs are based on the original drugs in terms of ingredients and dosage design, and are mainly produced by pharmaceutical companies in Laos, Bangladesh, India and other countries, such as some ASEAN pharmaceutical companies, Beacon Pharmaceuticals in Bangladesh, and NATCO generic drug manufacturers in India. Judging from information from public channels, the price of such generic drugs is significantly lower than that of original drugs, usually around a few hundred to one thousand yuan, and is also affected by exchange rates and procurement methods.

Price differences do not mean that patients are free to choose the source of their medication. Obeticholic acid is a prescription drug with clear indications and high requirements for drug safety and dosage adjustment. Whether it is an original drug or a generic drug, while considering economic factors, patients should also pay attention to the reliability of the source of the drug, quality control, and whether there are professional doctors for follow-up management.

Reference materials:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obeticholic_acid