Vertex's next challenge for pain pill? Cracking a market dominated by cheap opioids
How do you compete against a drug that costs mere cents?
On Tuesday, Vertex succeeded where many drugmakers have tried and failed — it produced definitive data showing that its drug for acute pain is about as effective as opioid-based painkillers in certain settings, but without the risk of addiction.
But the drug is certain to be more expensive than opioids that are cheap, widely available, highly effective and entrenched — despite causing thousands of US overdose deaths. Vertex’s challenge will be to persuade insurers that its therapy, in the long run, will save on health costs and benefit patients.
Unlock this article instantly by becoming a free subscriber.
You’ll get access to free articles each month, plus you can customize what newsletters get delivered to your inbox each week, including breaking news.
