The first patent dating back to 2007 and the latest can be found to be dated during this year, 2015. There are concerns of companies misusing their patents to extend their monopoly on the market, hence having the ability to overcharge for their product. [3.4] The two starting molecules, Aniline and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol, do not cost much relative to the cost. Aniline costs 444 Euro for 18 litres (roughly 18 kg which is approximately 200 moles) and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol costs 22.30 Euro for 500g.[3.5][3.6] Although the molecule is relatively small and the synthesis being short one reagent, HATU, is very expensive and potentially the dearest part of the above synthesis, costing 1465 Euro per 100g [3.7]. Depending on the percentage yield of the product after HATU is added it could be a major cost in the manufacture. It is very probable that Vertex buy these molecules in bulk hence reducing the cost of the manufacture. Ivacaftor is an example of a small molecule cure, a new breed of cure which is being highly invested in.
The first patent dating back to 2007 and the latest can be found to be dated during this year, 2015. There are concerns of companies misusing their patents to extend their monopoly on the market, hence having the ability to overcharge for their product. [3.4] The two starting molecules, Aniline and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol, do not cost much relative to the cost. Aniline costs 444 Euro for 18 litres (roughly 18 kg which is approximately 200 moles) and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol costs 22.30 Euro for 500g.[3.5][3.6] Although the molecule is relatively small and the synthesis being short one reagent, HATU, is very expensive and potentially the dearest part of the above synthesis, costing 1465 Euro per 100g [3.7]. Depending on the percentage yield of the product after HATU is added it could be a major cost in the manufacture. It is very probable that Vertex buy these molecules in bulk hence reducing the cost of the manufacture. Ivacaftor is an example of a small molecule cure, a new breed of cure which is being highly invested in.