IDSA, HIVMA, PIDS, Applaud Express Scripts Efforts

Officials with the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) this week issued a statement applauding Express Scripts for taking steps to improve access to obtaining pyrimethamine for patients with toxoplasmosis. 

Express Scripts said in a recently-issued statement that it is partnering with Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Inc.,which announced in October that they had started making a medicine for as little as $1 a capsule that includes the active ingredient pyrimethamine. The statement from Imiprimis came weeks after officials with Turing Pharmaceuticals AG announced they were raising the drug’s price from about $13 to $750 a pill, sparking outrage from many medical organizations, including IDSA. 

“Since the price increase taken by Turing Pharmaceuticals in August, our infectious diseases and HIV medical provider members have reported significant challenges obtaining pyrimethamine for their patients,” according to a statement posted on the IDSA website. “We are optimistic that this arrangement will help address the serious cost and access barriers that have prevented or delayed pregnant women, infants, and patients with HIV infection or following transplantation from accessing this lifesaving treatment. ” 

The statement further reads: “IDSA and HIVMA stand ready to educate our membership of more than 10,000 infectious diseases and HIV medical providers on this new option for obtaining pyrimethamine for their patients being treated for toxoplasmosis – whether the treatment is being given in or outside of the hospital.”