Context:

In 2023, a patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma discovers that his treatment involves Revlimid, a costly derivative of thalidomide, known for its controversial history. Revlimid, priced nearly $1,000 per pill despite costing only 25 cents to produce, has been instrumental in extending the lives of many patients, yet its high cost has placed it out of reach for some, leading to financial strain and even halted treatments. The drug's history is intertwined with a New York lawyer's quest in the late 1990s to save her husband using thalidomide, which eventually led to the development of Revlimid. Celgene, the drug's manufacturer, has faced criticism for its pricing strategies, aggressive patent defenses, and attempts to block generic competition, significantly impacting health care costs. Despite the financial success of Revlimid, its price continues to rise under new ownership by Bristol Myers Squibb, maintaining the drug's financial burden on patients and insurers alike.

Dive Deeper:

• Revlimid, a derivative of the infamous thalidomide, became a major cancer treatment despite its historical controversy, with its high cost posing significant barriers to patient access, including debt and discontinued treatment due to financial strain.

• The journey of Revlimid began with a desperate attempt by Beth Wolmer to save her husband from multiple myeloma through the use of thalidomide, which led to ground-breaking trials and, eventually, the drug's development as a cancer treatment.

• Celgene capitalized on Revlimid's success by employing aggressive pricing strategies and patent protections, raising the price repeatedly since its launch and using regulatory loopholes to delay generic competition, which would drastically reduce costs.

• Despite regulatory scrutiny from the FDA and FTC, Celgene managed to maintain its monopoly on Revlimid, citing safety concerns and patent protections, while the company profited significantly, with executives receiving substantial bonuses tied to the drug's revenue.

• Revlimid's effectiveness in prolonging life for multiple myeloma patients is overshadowed by its financial burden, with patients often resorting to extreme measures such as taking out additional mortgages or cutting essential expenses to afford the medication.

• The continued price hikes under Bristol Myers Squibb, who acquired Celgene, indicate ongoing financial challenges for patients, as the company justifies its pricing based on clinical benefits and economic factors, despite the strain on healthcare systems and patient finances.

• The personal account of remission and ongoing treatment highlights the emotional and financial toll of living with cancer, where despite advancements in care, the looming threat of relapse and high costs remain persistent concerns for patients.