New research from Prime Therapeutics indicates that new treatments for cystic fibrosis targeting gene mutations will notably increase healthcare costs.

“Genetic research is helping advance new treatments that target not just the symptoms of disease, but the actual genetic causes,” said Kevin Bowen, MD, MBA, principal health outcomes researcher at Prime. “But these new treatments are coming with a steep price tag, as people with cystic fibrosis will take these drugs for several decades. Nationally, it could cost our health system as much as $4.5 billion per year to treat up to 15,000 people with cystic fibrosis who could benefit from this new combination drug. People with cystic fibrosis, their health plans and especially self-insured employers, must prepare now to manage the significant costs associated with these new treatments.”

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