WITH HUMIRA’S EXPIRED PATENT, COMES LONG AWAITED COMPETITION
Our Humira-Watch continues as a flood of biosimilars hit the market. Due to settlements with AbbVie, Humira’s manufacturer, list prices for these alternatives only became available as the drugs hit the shelves. Previousl,y we shared the news about Amjevita – the first Humira biosimilar with a dual price point: 1) with a small discount and high rebate and 2) another with a large discount and no rebate attached. We also shared the news of the first interchangeable Humira option, unfortunately savings for this one are scant. While employers remain attached to their rebates, and Humira’s net price is estimated to be about 40% below it’s list price, many of these new biosimilars are priced 80% or more below Humira’s list price. The savings to health plans – as well as patients - is significant.
The list of Humira biosimilars and their pricing is below. If you’re wondering the efficacy of patients changing their meds, this major study concludes that biosimilars yield therapeutically equivalent outcomes relative to the reference drug. For a medication costing plan sponsors nearly $70k/year per patient, employers would be wise to begin educating employees on their options and encourage conversations with prescribing physicians.
