These Are The 10 Most Expensive Drugs In The United States

This article does not constitute medical advice and is for informational purposes only.

It’s no secret that drugs can be expensive — but some drugs are over-the-top expensive. In an effort to increase transparency when it comes to drug prices, the GoodRx Research Team regularly tracks the most expensive drugs in the United States, with the most expensive drug on the market currently being Zolgensma, a medication that treats spinal muscular atrophy and has a one-time cost of $2.1 million.

From drugs filled at pharmacies that can be self-administered by patients to drugs that only a medical professional can administer, this analysis ranks the most expensive drugs by their annual cost for a typical course of therapy. And while many of these drugs are not covered by insurance, GoodRx highlights the different programs and companies that will help patients navigate and pay for each specific drug.

1. Zolgensma – $2,125,000

Zolgensma is the most expensive drug in the U.S., with a one-time cost of $2.1 million for a course of treatment. It is approved to treat spinal muscular atrophy, a rare childhood disorder that causes muscular erosion that can lead to lung infections and muscle weakness. Zolgensma is a one-time curative therapy — and, fortunately, many children who have been treated with the drug now show no signs of the disease.

Paying for Zolgensma isn’t easy, as insurers may not cover it. However, manufacturer Novartis Gene Therapies has allowed certain insurers to pay for the drug in annual installments of $425,000 over five years.They also offer the OneGene Program to provide guidance and help to navigate insurance requirements.

2. Zokinvy – $1,032,480

Zokinvy is an “orphan” drug that treats Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome and costs over $1 million a year. (Orphan drugs are drugs that treat rare conditions and are developed with government assistance). It is the first and only treatment approved for the rare genetic disease that causes premature aging. The dosage varies from person to person, but patients typically take around 200 mg of Zokinvy a day. At $717 per 50-mg capsule, this adds up to around $86,040 a month.

While there is no copay card available for this drug, the Eiger OneCare Program can help assist patients with insurance coverage and financial support options.

3. Danyelza – $977,664

Danyelza, an orphan drug and breakthrough therapy, is approved to treat pediatric and adult patients with neuroblastoma in the bone or bone marrow. However, the medication is not cheap. Danyelza costs $20,368 per vial, and patients typically use around 48 vials per year, bringing the annual cost close to $977,664.

Manufacturer Y-mAbs offers Y-mAbs Connect, a program that can help patients navigate insurance, as well as a patient assistance program for eligible uninsured patients.

4. Myalept – $889,904

Myalept is one of the only drugs on this list that is dispensed at the pharmacy. It is used to treat leptin deficiency in patients with generalized lipodystrophy, a condition of abnormal fat distribution in the body.

Patients self-administer Myalept once a day and typically use 14 vials per month. A month supply of Myalept costs $74,159, bringing the yearly price tag to $889,904. Since Myalept is the only treatment available to control this rare condition, there are no other cost-saving alternatives. Aegerion Pharmaceuticals offers assistance programs to help some patients afford Myalept.

5. Luxturna – $850,000

Luxturna is a gene therapy that treats an inherited form of retinal dystrophy, a condition that causes vision loss and even complete blindness.The drug cannot be dispensed at a pharmacy, as it requires a doctor to administer one vial of the medication into each eye. While patients should only need one dose of Luxturna ever, the price is $425,000 per vial.

Spark Therapeutics Generation Patient Services can provide assistance to patients by helping to navigate insurance coverage and connect patients to other financial resources.

6. Folotyn – $817,865

Folotyn treats peripheral T-cell lymphoma, a rare blood cancer that can cause death. A health care professional must administer Folotyn, and patients are typically given 135 vials of the drug annually.

Manufacturer Acrotech Biopharma increased the list price for a vial in July 2021 to $6,058, bringing the total annual cost to $817,865.

7. Brineura – $730,340

Brineura is a first-in-class medication that treats a specific form of Batten disease called late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2). Specifically, Brineura helps treat the slow loss in walking ability for pediatric patients 3 years and older.

The list price of Brineura is $28,090 for a kit of two 150-mg vials. The recommended dosage is 300 mg every two weeks, adding up to $730,340 over the course of one year. Manufacturer BioMarin does provide patient support for insured and cash-paying patients through its copay assistance program.

8. Blincyto – $712,672

Blincyto is used to treat a rare form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It has an annual list price of $712,672. Only a health care provider can administer Blincyto, and dosing is done in cycles.

Patients need different amounts of the medication during each phase of treatment but will typically use about 168 vials. The current list price is $4,242 per vial.

9. Ravicti – $695,970

Ravicti is used to treat urea cycle disorders, genetic conditions that result in high levels of ammonia in the blood. If left untreated, they can lead to confusion, coma or even death. Patients are typically given 132 bottles annually.

The list price of Ravicti increased by 4.8 percent this January to $5,273 for one bottle. Manufacturer Horizon Therapeutics offers a way for some patients to save on Ravicti through the Horizon Cares Patient Assistance Program.

10. Soliris – $678,392

Soliris is used to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome — blood disorders that result in the destruction of red blood cells. While the dosing regimen for Soliris can differ depending on the age of the patient, most patients need a maintenance dose of 1200 mg every two weeks, which only a health care provider can administer.

There is no copay card available for Soliris, but the OneSource program from manufacturer Alexion can help patients navigate health insurance.

How GoodRx Can Save You Money On Your Prescriptions

Even if your medication doesn’t make the list for the top 10 most expensive drugs, we all know prescriptions can still be pricey. Fortunately, GoodRx can help you compare prescription prices and provide affordable options. Simply enter the name of your prescription to compare prices and search for any free available coupons on that medication. Then, show your coupon to the pharmacy to save up to 80 percent on the regular retail price.

Download the GoodRx app or use the drug search tool on GoodRx.com to find the lowest price for your prescriptions.