A gene therapy hailed as a "landmark" when approved in Europe in May 2016 , when its one and only customer thus far -- a child of undisclosed nationality -- was finally treated, MIT Technology Review reported.
Strimvelis was OK'd to treat a form of severe combined immunodeficiency arising from a defect in the gene for adenosine deaminase. It lists for $648,000 per treatment, although owner GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) declined to say exactly how much it was actually paid for the treatment given in March.
A GSK official blamed difficulties in arranging insurance coverage across borders in Europe for the lack of sales. Strimvelis is administered only at one center in Milan, Italy. Also, only about 15 births affected by the disorder occur in Europe each year.
Inability to sell gene therapies once approved is becoming a trend, the MIT Technology Review article suggested.