#ketaminetherapy #ketaminefordepression #bigpharma

Have you been "stuck" with depression, anxiety, or chronic pain? Were you excited to hear about the power of ketamine to help heal... just to find out that insurance doesn't cover it? Learn the dirty secrets behind what's keeping ketamine so expensive.

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0:00 Intro
0:25 A different anti-depressant
0:58 Out-of-pocket cost after 50 years?
1:27 Why not more research on Ketamine: patent extenders
2:01 Original ketamine FDA approval
2:37 "Off-label" use explained
3:21 Insurance hesitancy
3:43 Generics: supply-demand
4:18 Perverse incentives and minor modifications
4:33 Isomers: ketamine, omeprazole, citalopram, cetirizine
8:17 Delivery routes
9:19 Indication modifications
10:44 Insurance for holistic therapies

We'll explore why big pharmaceutical companies keep ketamine infusion therapy for depression so expensive, despite its effectiveness and potential to transform mental healthcare.

Ketamine therapy has been shown to provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms in individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments such as antidepressants and therapy. The drug works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain, which leads to increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes the growth and survival of neurons. This increase in BDNF is thought to be responsible for the antidepressant effects of ketamine.

Despite its potential, the high cost of ketamine infusion therapy can be prohibitive for many people. A single infusion can cost anywhere from $400 to $800, with many patients requiring multiple infusions to achieve sustained relief. This high cost is often attributed to the fact that ketamine is not covered by insurance for the treatment of depression and anxiety.

So why is ketamine not covered by insurance? One reason may be the fact that ketamine is a generic drug, meaning that it is not protected by patents or exclusivity rights. This means that any pharmaceutical company can produce and sell ketamine, leading to increased competition and lower prices. However, this also means that there is no financial incentive for pharmaceutical companies to invest in the research and development of ketamine for depression and anxiety. This keeps racemic ketamine an off-label medication.

In addition to these factors, there may also be a bias against ketamine and other psychedelic medicines in the pharmaceutical industry. Many pharmaceutical companies focus on developing me-too drugs, which are drugs that are similar to existing drugs but with slight variations that allow them to be patented and sold at a higher price. These drugs often have little or no added benefit compared to existing drugs, but are marketed heavily to healthcare providers and consumers.

Pharmaceutical companies may also use patent extenders and exclusivity rights to keep drug prices high. For example, a company may obtain a patent for a new stereoisomer or enantiomer of an existing drug, which allows them to sell the drug at a higher price than the generic version. This practice can keep drug prices high for years, even after the original patent has expired.

In the case of ketamine, there may be little financial incentive for pharmaceutical companies to invest in the research and development of the drug for depression and anxiety. Ketamine is a generic drug, it is administered in a clinic or hospital setting, and it is not protected by patents or exclusivity rights. As a result, it is unlikely that pharmaceutical companies will invest in the development of new formulations or delivery methods that could make ketamine more accessible and affordable for those who need it.

The high cost of ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety is a complex issue that is influenced by a variety of factors. While there may be little financial incentive for pharmaceutical companies to invest in the development of ketamine for mental health conditions, the potential benefits of the drug cannot be ignored. Mental health matters, and it is time for healthcare providers, insurers, and policymakers to work together to make ketamine therapy more accessible and affordable for all those who could benefit

This video/speech/channel DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. Patients with medical concerns should contact their physician. If your concern is an emergency, immediately call 911. This information is not a recommendation for ANY THERAPY. Some substances referenced in this content may be illegal, and this content is not a recommendation for, or endorsement of, their use in any way.