CivicaRX a new generic drug company

The cost of specialty drugs has skyrocketed over the last decade, with the cost of 61 widely used drugs almost tripling between 2006 and 2017, according to a new AARP report.

By the numbers: The average annual cost of a specialty drug in 2017 was almost $20,000 more than the median U.S. household income.

• Specialty drugs are the most expensive class — and their prices are increasing rapidly, with annual increases ranging from 7% to 9.7% between 2012 and 2017.

The bottom line: The market is going to be increasingly driven by the use of specialty drugs, and that’s going to be expensive.

Civica Rx is a new not-for-profit generic drug company that will help patients by addressing shortages and high prices of lifesaving medications.

More than 120 health organizations representing about a third of the nation’s health systems have contacted Civica Rx and expressed a commitment or interest in participating with the new company.

Health systems will be investing to ensure Civica is producing the right drugs, doses, strength needed for specific drugs