Blincyto* has a unique mechanism of action, according to Anthony S. Stein, M.D., of the City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte, Calif. Stein has treated more than 50 patients, and he is quoted in an August 8th New York Times article by Robert Pear that details the Obama administration’s reversal of a decision not to cover costs for treatment with the drug through Medicare. The therapy costs about $178,000 per treatment course for an individual, a price that reflects the high cost of production of engineered antibodies and the small patient base (~6000/year in the U.S.A.).
Antibody engineering has delivered a life-saving therapy to a defined patient cohort, a feat that merits gold-medal recognition for those involved, including those that contributed to the basic research—and they are many—that preceded and enabled the eventual development and approval of Blincyto. Many scientistis studied and advanced knowledge of the immune system, antibodies, cancer biology and related concerns for so many years, all of it leading to one of many breakthroughs, all of it heading toward the common goal of improving healthcare. It is worth recognizing Blincyto as a visible achievement: the effort is rewarded. Take a bow and then it’s back to the bench.
*Blincyto (trade name blinatumomab, Amgen) is indicated for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Robert L. Stevenson, Ph.D., is Editor Emeritus, American Laboratory/Labcompare; e-mail:[email protected]
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