Global differences in cancer drug prices: A comparative analysis.

Abstract

LBA6500 Background: Cancer drug prices are different in every country in the world, however, little is known about the magnitude of these differences. The primary objective of this study was to describe the differences in prices globally. The secondary objective was to understand ability to pay, using gross domestic product per capita at purchasing power parity (GDPcap), as a surrogate. Methods: We calculated monthly drug doses for 23 cancer drugs, 15 of which are available generically. We then calculated monthly drug prices from 6 countries on 5 different continents: Australia (AUS), China (CHI), India (IND), South Africa (SA), United Kingdom (UK), and United States (US). Given the lack of availability of discounted prices, we used list prices in order to make appropriate comparisons. Prices were obtained from locally and nationally recognized institutions. The monthly cost was converted to US$ at the exchange rate ruling on 19 January 2016. We obtained GDPcap data for each country from the International Monetary Fund, in order to estimate the monthly drug price as a percentage of GDPcap. Results: Results are displayed in the table. The median monthly patented drug price ranged from US$1515 (IND) to $8694 (US). The median monthly generic drug price ranged from US$120 (SA) to $654 (US). The median monthly % of GDPcap for patented drugs ranged from 71% (AUS) to 313% (IND). The median monthly % of GDPcap for generic drugs ranged from 3% (AUS) to 48% (CHI). Detailed information regarding specific drugs will be presented. Conclusions: There is a wide variation in drug prices globally. Despite lower prices in poorer countries, both generic and patented drugs appear to be less affordable in poorer countries. Price differences likely have some impact on access to care within individual countries. [Table: see text]