A Boston-area biotech says it may have a found a way to handle the expected seven-figure cost of its experimental gene therapy: paying on installment. Bluebird Bio Inc. is developing plans to sell its first gene-replacement therapy, for a rare inherited blood disease, on a five-year installment plan, with each annual payment contingent on its treatment’s continued effectiveness. Bluebird,...
US manufacturer Bluebird Bio announced it would sell its gene replacement therapy through a five - year instalment plan to tackle the expected $ 1 m or more price of the treatment , designed for a rare inherited blood disease . CEO Nick Leschly said the total cost end up considerably less than the $ 2.1 m it said the treatment was intrinsically worth . The treatment for beta thalassemia , which affects 300,000 people globally and 1,000 in the US , could be cleared for sale by 2020 . The plan meant Bluebird would receive 20 % of the treatment ’s cost upfront , with subsequent payments - adjusted effectiveness .