Some of the reasons for this cost included the relatively small scale in which the drug is currently made, the high cost of the raw materials required, and the physical form of the drug. We are ad in the near future, while continuing to follow Good Manufacturing Practices as defined by the FDA Starting with our public offering in 1995, the company has been able to raise sufficient financing to continue its development program for Ampligen. While no Guarantees caN BE MADE we are confident that we will be able to obtain the additional financing which will be required to complete the clinical development of Ampligen. We recognize that our goal is to make Ampligen available to all patients who can benefit from its use at a reasonable price. The company and its staff are fully committed to that goal.
Current costs cover only a fraction of the real cost of the drug.
As production increases, and the Company realizes economies of scale, it is expected that the cost of the drug will be reduced. Also there are programs of various sources available to patients who cannot afford certain drugs. As many of you know, there are national and regional organizations organized to help patients with their needs, including advocacy support. Since our public offering in 1995, the Company has been properly financed. Studies have been presented to the FDA, and we are going through the normal course of speaking about their design with the Agency, and getting the proper input.