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Blindness treatment to cost $425k...if it works

In a novel arrangement, the drugmaker will offer discounts based on whether or not the drug works initially and remains effective for the estimated 1,000 to 2,000 patients in the U.S. with a type of inherited retinal disease.

By Michelle Cortez | Updated on January 03, 2018
To help mitigate complications, Spark is rolling out several programs to spread out the cost over the years or give rebates to payers if the benefits wane with time. (Photo: Shutterstock)

A transformative genetic treatment for a rare, inherited form of blindness will come with a price tag of of $425,000 per eye, or $850,000 for both, said Spark Therapeutics Inc., the tiny biotechnology company that is bringing the therapy to market.

Since Spark’s Luxturna was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month, speculation over the price has grown as it became clear the therapy would be one of the first in a wave of medicines  that yield remarkable results after a single treatment — and would carry a commensurate cost.

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