Civica Rx begins selling its first outpatient generic drug as it tries to overhaul the pharmaceutical supply chain

In the latest bid to address high prescription drug costs, a nonprofit plans to sell a cheaper generic version of an expensive cancer medicine in the U.S.

Civica Rx, which was formed four years ago, is working with a generic manufacturer, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, to supply pharmacies with the abiraterone prostate cancer treatment for $160 for a month’s supply. And the nonprofit is suggesting pharmacies sell the medicine to consumers for $171, which is considerably less than what most consumers currently pay. The brand-name version is Zytiga.

By comparison, Medicare Part D beneficiaries, who are believed to make up the majority of consumers prescribed existing generic versions, pay about $3,200 a month, although prices do vary. Using a coupon, a consumer could pay $187 a month at the Rite Aid retail chain, but the medicine would cost close to $3,000 at several chains, according to the GoodRx website. In some cases, cash-paying customers may pay $250 or more.

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