The company argues that the cost is justified as Tzield (teplizumab) is the first drug that can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes, fending off the time when they become highly reliant on insulins and at risk of the serious complications that can accompany advanced T1D.
Some analysts – including Thomas Smith of SVB Securities – had predicted the price would be much lower at around $115,000, and shares in Provention retreated from some of the gains made after the approval was announced last week on concerns that Tzield could face some pushback from payers.
