Ampyra, recently approved by the FDA to improve walking in people with MS, will cost about $13,000 a year wholesale, according to figures released by Acorda Therapeutics. The exact pricing is $1,056 per 30-day supply. Ampyra, formerly called Fampridine, is expected to be available in March 2010.
Wall Street analysts had anticipated the price tag to be in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. Ampyra is a version of a drug that has been available from compounding pharmacies for about $70 a month. Known as 4-aminopyridine or 4-AP, it has been available through prescription as an investigational drug.
Acorda is offering assistance through Ampyra Patient Support Services, a resource for healthcare professionals and people with MS, to help healthcare professionals process prescriptions, work with insurance carriers, and direct people to available assistance programs. People who meet income and other requirements, regardless of their insurance status, may receive Ampyra at no cost. This may include individuals who have limited healthcare coverage.
Healthcare professionals and people with MS can contact Ampyra Patient Support Services at 888-881-1918 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (EST) for more information about Ampyra, and to learn more about the patient assistance and co-pay mitigation programs.