‘Large and sharp’ price increases have plagued colchicine in the past

Colchicine was at the center of a significant price hike in 2010. At the time, the drug was known as a recommended treatment for gout.

A recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine explored the situation at length, showing the price per colchicine prescription increased from $11.25 in 2009 to $190.49 in 2011.[1] As one might expect, this was linked to a dramatic decline in the use of colchicine.

“The study’s findings suggest that the large and sharp increase in colchicine prices was associated with a sustained decrease in colchicine use, increased use of other medications for gout, and increased clinical encounters for gout, consistent with poorer disease control,” wrote lead author Dan P. Ly, MD, PhD, MPP, with the University of California Los Angeles, and colleagues.

What’s next for Agepha Pharma and Lodoco?

With the FDA’s approval in place, Agepha Pharma is now focused on launching the medication and reaching high-risk heart patients.   

“The next big step for Lodoco is bringing the drug to the hands of patients,” Andrzejewski said. “Our team is looking forward to delivering Lodoco to patients in need as quickly as possible.”

Agepha Pharma hopes to have colchicine/Lodoco available for prescription use by the second half of 2023.

Andrzejewski also noted that he and his colleagues have appreciated the healthcare industry’s positive reaction to this noteworthy approval.

“We appreciate how big of a step forward this was for the care of patients with CVD and those at risk of developing it,” he said. “We are hopeful that the conversations continue to further raise awareness of cardiovascular inflammation and Lodoco as a potential solution.”