Novartis is poised to market its gene therapy Zolgensma to treat spinal muscular atrophy, which often kills babies before they reach two years of age. A clinical trial of the therapy involved 12 babies, all of whom have passed their second birthday and achieved milestones in their development. A potential cost of $2m for the drug has raised concern. The company said it was not yet ready to discuss details about how much money would be spent on developing the drug.
Novartis is poised to market its gene therapy Zolgensma to treat spinal muscular atrophy, which often kills babies before they reach two years of age. A clinical trial of the therapy involved 12 babies, all of whom have passed their second birthday and achieved milestones in their development. A potential cost of $2m for the drug has raised concern. However, drug companies are increasingly looking to alternative payment models, such as instalments or tying prices to value, to address rising costs.