Who owns enbrel?

Do you ever find yourself pondering the ultimate question: who really owns the world? While we might never come to a definitive conclusion on that one, let’s narrow our focus down a bit to something slightly more manageable. Specifically, let’s dive into the ownership of Enbrel – that lifesaving arthritis medication that has taken the world by storm.

What is Enbrel?

Before we talk about who owns it, let’s take a step back and explore what exactly Enbrel is. Essentially, Enbrel (full name “etanercept”) is a type of biologic drug used primarily to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. It works by targeting specific proteins in our immune system which can cause inflammation and other unpleasant symptoms.

But enough scientific jargon – let’s get down to brass tacks here. Simply put, Enbrel helps people live better lives with far less pain than they would experience otherwise. And isn’t that essentially all any of us can ask for in this crazy mixed-up world?

The origins of enbrel

Enbrel was originally developed by Immunex Corporation, an American biotech company founded in 1981 with humble beginnings in Seattle (home both to Starbucks coffee and constant rain).

The research behind Enbrel began in earnest in the early 1990s when scientists at Immunex discovered a protein called Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) responsible for much of the joint inflammation experienced by those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Using their expertise along with some skillful genetic manipulation techniques, researchers were able to create etanercept – or as we know it today: En-bloody-boulevard-of-broken-dreams-rel (ok full transparency I may have added my own flair there just now but c’mon folks that nickname is kinda catchy)

The ownership of Enbrel

So who gets to call the shots when it comes to this miracle drug? Well, as with most things in life, it’s complicated. Here are some key players you’ll want to know about:

Amgen Inc.

In 2002, Immunex Corporation was acquired by another named Amgen – a global biopharmaceutical company that specializes in creating innovative treatments for diseases such as cancer and lupus.

As part of the acquisition deal, all rights (patent and otherwise) for Enbrel became the property of Amgen. Today they retain partial ownership over the medication and receive royalties on its sales worldwide.

Pfizer

But hold onto your hats – this story isn’t finished yet. In 2021 another giant pharmaceutical company named Pfizer made headlines around the world when they announced their intention to purchase full control over Enbrel from Amgen in exchange for $11 billion dollars (yes folks you read that right: eleven-oh-oh-zero-zero-million-a-dollars)

The transaction is currently taking place pending various regulatory approvals but if everything goes through we may see Pfizer’s paws all up in our beloved Enbrel before too long.

Controversies surrounding enbrel ownership

It wouldn’t be a complete article without mentioning some potential controversies now would it? And boy oh boy do we have some juicy ones here!

Legal battles galore

Ok maybe not juicy per se but certainly interesting (right guys?…guys?). Over the years there have been numerous legal battles waged over patent disputes pertaining to Enbrel.

For example did you know that Sandoz Inc., a subsidiary division of Novartis AG (yet ANOTHER global pharma giant), attempted unsuccessfully several times (!!) starting back in 2015 (!!!) to create similar drugs that could be marketed as “Enbrel biosimilars”.

Pricing struggles

Furthermore, concerns have been raised over the steep pricing of Enbrel for patients relying upon it to manage their symptoms long-term.

According to information gathered by GoodRx (a company who helpfully tracks prescription drug prices in the US), one dose of Enbrel (50mg) carries an average retail cost of $5,491 USD (!!!). Keep in mind that most people would be taking this medication multiple times per month – if not more frequently than that.

As with all healthcare costs, there are arguments on both sides about what is fair versus exploitative when it comes to pricing. Nevertheless when real people’s lives and livelihoods hang in the balance as they do here, things can suddenly start feeling a bit too far removed from cold hard profit margins alone.

The future of enbrel

So where does all this leave us? Who truly does own Enbrel? Well…that answer may continue to shift and change depending on which way the wind blows at any given moment (though let’s hope it stops oscillating quite so dang much amirite folks?).

What we know for sure is that millions upon millions rely upon this “miracle” medication every day just to get through their daily routines without constant agony. And whether we want to admit or not: ultimately isn’t preserving meaningful quality-of-life really what medicine should be aiming towards first and foremost?

Let us close out then with something approaching consensus perhaps: regardless of ownership wrangling or legal quagmires behind-the-scenes, from where those suffering turn we ought always keep our focus fixed unequivocally on restoring health – both physical AND financial – wherever feasibly possible!

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