Abraxane

Abraxane , manufactured by Abraxis BioScience, and Taxol, manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb, have equivalent survival rates in treating late stage breast cancer. The generic version of Taxol known as Paclitaxel is $150 per dose. Abraxane, which is easier to administer than Taxol, is $4,200 per dose. According to the New York Times, "About 20,000 people have now been treated with the drug, and Dr. [Patrick] Soon-Shiong [, the Abraxsis CEO,] expects its sales to approach $200 million this year. By 2010, Abraxane’s annual sales could reach $1 billion, analysts say."

I highly recommend that you read this fascinating New York Times article by Alex Berenson to learn why. (If you want to read more, check out this history of the "tortured" development of Taxol.)