Abstract
The current study aims to explore the number of registered anticancer medicine in Pakistan and the price variation of these single-ingredient medicines. A data-based study was conducted between March 2021 and May 2021. Pharmaguide (Mobile Version 2020 – 2021), Druginfosys.com and Medicialstore.com.pk were used to derive the price of anticancer medications sold in Pakistan. The difference in minimum and maximum costs of each formulation was calculated, and the price variations in 81 anticancer medicines belonging to 14 different categories were analysed. There were 115 formulations registered for these 81 anticancer medications. Estimations in price difference revealed that topotecan (4mg / ml) had the highest price variation, while the lowest price variation of 4.01% was observed for abiraterone acetate (250mg). Price variations among different anti-cancer brands marketed in Pakistan are noticeable and substantial, therefore necessitating action from the drug regulatory authority of Pakistan, not only to gain awareness on this issue, but also to set pricing thresholds to make the prices of anti-cancer medications more affordable. In addition, external reference pricing and reimbursement programs partially sponsored by the government or insurance companies can be a possible way to control the price variation of anti-cancer drugs.
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