A breakthrough ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) treatment drug dubbed "Elevigis" has been launched in Japan with an unprecedented price tag of ¥300 million. The ALS community and beyond are watching closely as the staggering cost raises numerous questions about affordability and accessibility to this life-changing treatment. Despite the high cost, the introduction of this innovative drug brings renewed hope for many ALS patients and their families.

The average national health insurance coverage in Japan caps the patient's out-of-pocket expense at about 30%, but for “Elevigis”, even this amount is astronomical. There is an ongoing debate about whether the government should cover a larger portion of the bill due to the extraordinary cost. Access to healthcare is viewed as a fundamental right in Japan, and the current situation with "Elevigis" is challenging this belief, sparking nationwide conversation.

In the US or EU, similar issues exist around access and affordability of breakthrough treatments. The argument over equitable access to such expensive drugs is also a hot topic. Governments and insurance companies are faced with tough decisions about if and how they should cover these costs.