STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: Puma takes two big price hikes; will we see a (generic) Vioxx redux?
Good morning. Elizabeth Cooney here today, filling in for Ed Silverman. In his spirit, I will remind you that we have made it this far through the work week, so shall we carry on? He might also wonder if we have any choice. While you ponder whether to get all existential, here are some news items to get you going.
As Puma Biotechnology (PBYI) struggles to meet sales goals and expand usage for its all-important Nerlynx breast cancer treatment, the company has resorted to a tried-and-true tactic for boosting sales — raising prices, STAT writes. But Puma has taken a step most other drug makers have avoided recently: The wholesale price for Nerlynx not only jumped twice this year, but by 9.9% each time, for a total increase of 20% in just nine months.
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