Fasenra vs Symbicort
Side-by-side cost comparison based on Medicare Part D data
Fasenra
Benralizumab
Manufactured by AstraZeneca
Symbicort
Budesonide/Formoterol
Manufactured by AstraZeneca
Symbicort costs 92% less per claim than Fasenra ($222.00 vs $2,836.00). A generic version of Symbicort is also available, which may reduce costs further.
Cost Per Claim
Medicare Spending
Beneficiaries
Annual Cost Per Patient
Full Comparison
| Metric | Fasenra | Symbicort |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Cost Per Claim | $2,836.00 | $222.00 |
| Total Medicare Spending | $987.0M | $1.9B |
| Total Beneficiaries | 32,000 | 1,120,000 |
| Total Claims | 348,000 | 8,460,000 |
| Annual Cost/Patient | $30,844.00 | $1,675.00 |
| Year-over-Year Change | +18.6% | -6.4% |
| Generic Available | No | Yes |
| Patent Expiration | Nov 14, 2031 | Jan 31, 2023 |
| Manufacturer | AstraZeneca | AstraZeneca |
| Condition | Asthma/COPD | Asthma/COPD |
| Generic Name | Benralizumab | Budesonide/Formoterol |
Fasenra vs Symbicort: What the Data Shows
Fasenra (Benralizumab) and Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) are both used to treat asthma/copd. Based on Medicare Part D data, Symbicort costs $222.00 per claim, which is 92% less than Fasenra at $2,836.00 per claim.
Medicare spent $987.0M on Fasenra and $1.9B on Symbicort. In terms of patient reach, Symbicort serves more beneficiaries (1,120,000 vs 32,000).
Year-over-year spending changed +18.6% for Fasenra and -6.4% for Symbicort. Fasenra saw significant spending growth, suggesting increased utilization or price increases.
Symbicort has a generic available, while Fasenra remains brand-only until its patent expires Nov 14, 2031.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symbicort is cheaper at $222.00 per claim, compared to $2,836.00 for Fasenra. That makes Symbicort about 92% less expensive per claim based on Medicare Part D data.
Yes, both Fasenra and Symbicort are used to treat asthma/copd. Your doctor can help determine which medication is more appropriate for your specific situation.
Symbicort has a generic version (Budesonide/Formoterol) available, which is typically much cheaper. Fasenra is currently brand-only, with patent expiring Nov 14, 2031.
Medicare Part D spent $987.0M on Fasenra covering 32,000 beneficiaries, and $1.9B on Symbicort covering 1,120,000 beneficiaries.
Explore Further
Cost data reflects Medicare Part D spending and may not represent retail pharmacy prices. Average cost per claim represents the total drug cost (not patient out-of-pocket) divided by total claims. This comparison is informational only and should not replace medical advice.