A novel antidepressant, heralded as a breakthrough drug only two months ago, may not be a cost-effective way of battling treatment-resistant depression (TDR), according to a new study.
Esketamine, a nasal spray, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in March for people who do not respond to traditional anti-depressants. Marketed as Spravato, the drug was subject to eight years of research by Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
According to the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), Spravato may be overpriced for the benefits it delivers.
Each treatment, which must be administered in a physician’s office, costs between $590 and $885. And that price doesn’t cover the doctor’s time.
The regimen requires twice-weekly office visits that can take up to 90 minutes each plus 2 hrs waiting in the office. Afterwards, a patient may not drive a motor vehicle for the rest of day.
Even when covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs can remain considerable and may prevent access to those who may benefit from esketamine.
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