Freakonomics, M.D.

73. Who Pays for Multimillion-Dollar Miracle Cures?

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Feb 17, 2023
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ANECDOTE

Jimmy's Sickle Cell Journey

  • Jimmy Olaher suffered from sickle cell anemia, experiencing chronic pain and life disruptions.
  • CRISPR gene editing cured his disease after a long process, allowing him to live pain-free.
INSIGHT

Cost of Cures

  • The CRISPR cure for sickle cell, like other gene therapies, will likely be expensive.
  • A gene therapy for hemophilia set a record at $3.5 million, raising affordability concerns.
INSIGHT

Cost of Care vs. Cure

  • The cost of treating rare diseases over a lifetime can exceed the one-time cure cost.
  • The $3.5 million hemophilia treatment is cheaper than lifelong care and lost life value.
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