"World's Most Expensive Injection: Gene Therapy Doses Cost Up To Rs 30 Crore"

"One Dose, Rs 30 Crore: The Costliest Medicines For Hemophilia, SMA And Thalassemia"

THE REPORT.

NEW DELHl: Gene therapy injections used to treat some of the world's rarest genetic disorders are so expensive that a single dose costs up to Rs 30 crore, making them the most expensive medicines ever developed.While these drugs have brought a revolution in treating life-threatening conditions, their price remains far beyond the reach of ordinary people.

THE COSTLIEST GENE THERAPIES:

Gene therapies are one-time treatments that correct defective genes to cure diseases. 

Some of the costliest include:

Hemgenix For Hemophilia B: ∼$3.5 Million ≈ Rs 29 Crore.

Elevidys For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: ∼$3.2 Million ≈ *Rs 26.5 Crore

Zynteglo For Thalassemia∼$2.8 Million ≈ Rs 23 Crore

Zolgensma For Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) ∼$2.1 Million ≈ Rs 17 Crore

In India, Zolgensma has made headlines. Developed by Novartis, it is used for children under 2 years with SMA

a rare genetic disease that causes muscle weakness and can be fatal. The drug is not manufactured in India but can be imported with government approval, with import duty and GST waivers granted in some cases.

WHY ARE THEY SO EXPENSIVE?

High R&D: Decades of research and complex manufacturing using viruses to deliver genes.

Very small patient base: These target ultra-rare diseases, so development costs are spread across few patients.

One-time "cure": Companies argue the high upfront cost replaces lifelong treatment. For example, lifetime care for thalassemia can exceed $6.4 million.

Experts say, "Despite its initial expense, experts argue that Zolgensma's long-term benefits may offset healthcare costs associated with SMA treatment and care".

ACCESS REMAINS A CHALLENGE:

For diseases like Hemophilia, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Thalassemia, these injections have changed outcomes and saved lives. But at Rs 17 crore to Rs 30 crore per dose, they are inaccessible for most families without insurance, government support, or crowdfunding.

In India, families have had to raise crores through public donations to afford Zolgensma for children.

Gene therapy has transformed medicine from managing diseases to potentially curing them. But the Rs 30 crore price tag also highlights a growing gap a medical revolution that only a few can afford.

As science advances, the biggest challenge will be making these breakthroughs affordable and accessible.

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