Price Revolution: How Researchers at Imperial College London Tackled Hydrocortisone Costs
In a significant move against exorbitant drug pricing, researchers at Imperial College London have drastically reduced the cost of hydrocortisone, a widely used off-patent medication. Once priced at an astonishing £147.50 for a month’s supply, the price plummeted to just £3.55 after a strategic initiative by the researchers aimed at addressing the financial burdens faced by patients and the National Health Service (NHS).
The catalyst for this change began during a study focused on the steroid drug prednisolone, where hydrocortisone was selected as a control substance. Between 2008 and 2016, the price of hydrocortisone saw a staggering increase, with its cost rising from merely £1.07 to £147.50 due to the exit of the last supplier from the market. Recognizing the urgent need for a more accessible solution, the researchers arranged for the production of hydrocortisone through an alternative company, which was then directed to supply the UK market.
Their efforts proved successful, resulting in a remarkable reduction in price from £147.50 per month to just £3.55 between 2017 and March 2021. This victory not only alleviated a significant financial strain from patients but also established a precedent for intervention in the pharmaceutical market where monopolistic pricing had reigned.
Motivated by this success, the Imperial College team advocates for the establishment of a publicly owned manufacturer dedicated to producing off-patent, generic drugs. They have pointed to other medications, such as liothyronine and lithium carbonate, which have similarly seen inflated prices, burdening the NHS with excessive costs.
The proactive measures taken by these researchers underscore a pressing issue within the pharmaceutical industry and spark a conversation about the potential for public involvement to ensure fair pricing for essential medications. For more insights on their findings and the implications for healthcare, you can find additional information at Imperial College’s dedicated site on drug pricing.