Express Scripts provides low-cost Daraprim alternative

Express Scripts partnered with Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Tuesday to provide a more affordable version of a life-saving drug known as Daraprim.

Daraprim contains pyrimethamine and is used to treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that can be fatal in women who are pregnant, HIV patients and those with weakened immunity. The drug, which has been around for 62 years and was previously available for $13.50 per pill, was recently increased to $750 per pill by its current owner, Turing Pharmaceuticals.

Imprimis Pharmaceuticals' combination formulation of pyrimethamine and a form of folic acid called "leucovorin" will now be offered at $1 per pill for individuals whose pharmacy benefits are managed by Express Scripts.

"We are pleased to partner with Express Scripts to take positive action to counterbalance companies like Turing and others in order to address the growing drug pricing crisis in America," Imprimis Pharmaceuticals CEO Mark Baum said. "Like Imprimis, Express Scripts believes in putting patients first and that the excessive drug price increases we have seen over the past few years, particularly for life saving medicines such as Daraprim, deserve our attention."

Express Scripts Senior VP and Chief Medical Officer Steve Miller said offering access to this important treatment at an affordable price is the right thing to do.

"We believe we now have an extremely cost-effective way to provide access to a Daraprim alternative," Miller said. "We will share our solution with other payers to make sure all appropriate patients around the country have access to the treatment they need at the lowest possible price."