A ‘burgeoning black market’, inflated dosing and the over-judicialization of health care: reporters around the world tell stories about Keytruda
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
An international investigation found the cancer drug Keytruda's high price impacts patients and health systems globally.
How This Affects You
The high price of the cancer drug Keytruda could affect your access to treatment or increase healthcare costs if you or a loved one needs it.
AI Summary
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and 47 media partners investigated pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co.'s strategies for its cancer drug, Keytruda. Their reporting found that Merck set a fixed 200 milligram dose for Keytruda, despite original studies suggesting weight-based dosing. Oncologist Dr. Daniel Goldstein's research indicates Keytruda could be effective at 25% lower doses, potentially saving health systems significant costs. In Austria, Keytruda costs 6,800 euros per dose without discounts, making it the country's largest medication expense. This high price exacerbates inequalities and drives patients to desperate measures globally.
What's Being Done
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists led a yearlong investigation into Keytruda.
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