Coronavirus: What Will Be the Cost of a Vaccine?

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, as of March 12, 2020, has been determined to be a pandemic by the World Health Organization spreading to more than 144 countries, infecting more than 100,000 including over 4000 deaths. ¹ In addition, in the United States there are more than 1000 cases encompassing 35 states². The virus has disrupted daily life including closing of schools, restaurants, and other public gatherings to limit the spread of the virus.  

Since 2003, there have been 3 outbreaks of various forms of coronavirus including SARS, MERS, and now 2019—nCoV or COVID-19.³ During this time there has been a scramble to develop a vaccine for these viruses. Many companies are working extraordinary fast to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 to limit the global impact of this virus. Human trial testing of a vaccine can begin in weeks, but estimates suggest in may take 12 to 18 months to be commercially available.⁴ Although I am grateful that many companies are working diligently on creating a vaccine for this virus, unfortunately, I am skeptical of the true outcome. My skepticism lies in the corporate financial greed that may come along with this endeavor.

In all my years of pharmaceutical experience one issue that is a constant concern is the corporate greed and scandals that have developed over pharmaceutical products. The prices that are charged in the US compared to other countries for the same product has been outrageous. Also, PBMs and other third-party players will also be a part of this to make a profit. My concern is the price of this new coronavirus vaccine. Who will be able to afford it? Will insurance companies step up to assist? What price will be charged in China compared to other parts of the world?

Unfortunately, based upon the track record of overpricing medications from pharmaceutical industry, I am concerned the company creating the first vaccine will charge an inflated price and corporate greed will show itself again. I am concerned that the price may be so inflated that patients will not be able to afford it or insurance companies will refuse to support payment. The first hurdle is creating the vaccine but the next hurdle is affordability. So, let us see where this all plays out. My hope would be the good of all society and all mankind will be a greater priority than corporate profits.

Michael J. Cawley, PharmD, RRT, CPFT, FCCM, is a professor of clinical pharmacy at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences. He has more than 25 years of experience practicing in the areas of medical, surgical, trauma, and burn intensive care as both a critical care clinical pharmacist and registered respiratory therapist.

References

1. NPR. Coronavirus: COVID 19 is Now Officially a Pandemic, WHO says. https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/11/814474930/coronavirus-covid-19-is-now-officially-a-pandemic-who-says. Accessed March 12, 2020.
2. CNBC. US Coronavirus cases surpass 1000, up nearly 10-fold in a week. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/11/us-coronavirus-cases-surpass-1000-johns-hopkins-university-data-shows.html. Accessed March 12, 2020.
3. Healthline. How long will it take to develop a vaccine for coronavirus? https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-long-will-it-take-to-develop-vaccine-for-coronavirus. Accessed March 12, 2020.
4. CNBC. Human trials for coronavirus vaccine could begin “within a few weeks”, top US officials say.  https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/12/human-trials-testing-coronavirus-vaccine-could-begin-within-a-few-weeks.html. Accessed March 12, 2020.