S5, Ep 6- The Gene Therapy Equation: Costs, Value, and Future Directions

In this episode of Healthcare Matters, join our hosts as they explore the innovative world of gene therapy with guest Dr. Anne Sydor, Director of Research Development at GHLF. Together, they delve into the complexities of gene therapy treatments, the reasoning behind their high costs, and the challenges posed by current regulatory environments. They also discuss whether there is a need to reevaluate payment models to support the sustainable deployment of these life-altering therapies.

This episode provides a deep dive into the future of gene therapy and the regulatory model for manufacturing processes.

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:34: Dr. Popovian discusses the impressive number of gene therapy trials currently listed in the National Institutes of Health database, indicating significant research activity in this field

03:07: Dr. Popovian explains the impetus behind his collaborative paper on gene therapy value and pricing models, highlighting the need to understand pricing in the context of long-term health outcomes and societal benefits

04:43: Dr. Sydor provides a comprehensive overview of gene therapy, explaining its different types and methodologies, emphasizing their transformative impact on patient care

07:47: Dr. Popovian addresses why gene therapies are notably expensive, focusing on the high costs of research, development, and the significant value they bring to patients and society

09:28: Dr. Sydor highlights the societal and economic benefits of gene therapies, noting their potential to extend lives and improve quality of life for patients with rare diseases

11:15: Dr. Sydor elaborates on regulatory challenges impacting gene therapy accessibility and suggests potential improvements to ease these burdens

16:24: Dr. Popovian questions the adequacy of current payment models for gene therapies in the U.S. and suggests that a reevaluation might be necessary to accommodate the unique costs and benefits of these treatments

20:14: Dr. Sydor and Dr. Popovian discuss the broader implications of gene therapy pricing, emphasizing the need to balance upfront costs against long-term benefits in health care policy discussions

22:53: Dr. Popovian shares some final thoughts

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.

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