Factors Affecting the Price of Firdapse

The high price of Firdapse (amifampridine) is influenced by several key factors. 

Factors Affecting the Price of Firdapse

As an orphan drug for a rare disease (LEMS), its development costs are amortized over a very small patient population. Significant research and development investment, coupled with costs for specialized manufacturing, contribute to its price. Furthermore, the drug benefits from periods of market exclusivity, limiting competition from generics. Finally, the complex healthcare and reimbursement landscape, including negotiations with insurers and pharmacy benefit managers, also plays a critical role in determining its final cost to the healthcare system and patients.