Late in 2023, Richardson et al shared the results of a phase I/II clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03374085). They concluded that the “all-oral combination of mezigdomide plus dexamethasone showed promising efficacy in patients with heavily pretreated multiple myeloma.”1 Mezigdomide is a cereblon E3 ubiquitin ligase modulator that has shown anticancer activity in preclinical models of multiple myeloma, including those resistant to lenalidomide and pomalidomide, they noted.
This means a lot to folks like me who have multiple myeloma and welcome new drugs. However, I have major concerns about the cost of “oral” mezigdomide” when it is eventually approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since oral anticancer drugs are not covered under Medicare Part B, patients must bear the burden.
I am currently taking the immunomodulating agent pomalidomide, and my latest 1-month supply (21 capsules) cost $25,452.99. My co-pay was $3,712.99. Mezigdomide, a fourth-generation derivative of thalidomide, may be priced at $40,000 to $50,000 per month when approved by the FDA.
As we develop newer and more effective anticancer drugs, we must work toward making them affordable. What good are these newer and effective drugs if many patients with poor or no insurance cannot have access to them?
—Khalid Rehman, MD
Attending Physician
Metropolitan Hospital Center
New York, New York
REFERENCE
1. Richardson PG, Trudel S, Popat R, et al: Mezigdomide plus dexamethasone in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. N Engl J Med 389:1009-1022, 2023.
