Large drug company (Genzyme) mentioned in this article bought from Bayer AG (Germany) like in 2009, the Leukine drug used for cancers and other drugs, one was a leukemia drug. Here is a snipet of the article found on Google:
The deal provides Genzyme the worldwide rights to alemtuzumab (Campath), a leukemia drug thought to have greater potential as a treatment for MS; as well as two other cancer drugs, fludarabine (Fludara) and sargramostim (Leukine). The acquisition is structured in an unusual way—Genzyme isn’t paying upfront fees, although it will make annual payments from revenue to Bayer. Genzyme is also paying $75 million to $100 million for a Seattle-area factory to produce Leukine, white blood cell booster used for patients who have had those infection-fighting cells wiped out by cancer chemotherapy. (I added the above line in red to draw attention to what that just said). Gee could this be used after chemo drugs intentially in order to achieve effects? (I don't know either). I do know a guy using this via Dr. Scholz and has over 4 yrs. of very good PCa control (prior was rising and out of control basically), he claim like no side effects, too (so he says). Luckily his insurance covers it, in the USA it might cost around $8000+ a month or more for this protocol. But see link place below for Canadian price and info).
Genzyme makes most of its $4.6 billion in annual revenue from enzyme replacement therapies for rare genetic disorders, and last year got just a small fraction of revenue, $117 million, from cancer drugs. The company is on a mission to show Wall Street that even though it is now a large company, it can maintain fast growth, with a stated goal of 20 percent compound annual earnings growth from 2006 through 2011. This acquisition of cancer drugs is supposed to provide an additional $185 million in revenue in 2009, and as much as $700 million in revenue over three years, which will help support the company’s earnings target.
- Now one source I saw selling this in Canada is no longer offering it? www.northdrugstore.com used to have this for $3,435 for 500 mcg/ml (10 injections).
- Now I did find it at http://northwestpharmacy.com/ (Canada) and their prices: 250 mcg (5 injections)= $1,199.99 or 500 mcg (5 injections)= $1,899.99 still cheaper than USA.
This can be used in combo with some other drugs, sometimes celebrex and cytoxan or revlimid for more effect and better responses (Dr. Scholz and Dr. Myers familar with these protocols and have used such, with successes). The injections are bought locally at special pharmacies usually and you store it in your refrigerator and then use it mayb 2-3 times a week depending upon your protocol. So it gets expensive but what doesn't later in PCa progressions?
Another name for Leukine is Sargramostin in case searching on it, later it may become generic someday and get a nice price drop but that is probably years away. If you had to pay cash, Canada would be your consideration. Some insurances will deny this drug and surely wouldn't love the costs. Dr. Myers mentions that you may not have to take this constantly, perhaps intermittently, based upon psa stability and results...so that would be helpful in costs. If anyone reads this whom has done this drug, let us know how it worked for you, your responses and commentary...would be welcome to know.
