The upcoming release of interchangeable Humira biosimilars promises to increase accessibility to effective rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis treatments while reducing costs.  

This is a win-win situation for patients, healthcare providers, and payers, as pricing for these products – which has consistently increased over the last two decades – is expected to fall due to increasing competition from biosimilars. 

In anticipation of these launches, we are gathering information about manufacturer copay and patient assistance programs to help our members and plan sponsors save even more money on these high-cost specialty medications. Ultimately, our goal at Serve You Rx is to maintain quality of care, flexibility, and choice while minimizing patient disruption and, importantly, lowering net costs within the category.  

The Rise of Interchangeable Humira Biosimilars

By July 1, the U.S. market is set to witness the historic launch of numerous Humira biosimilars. In this new era, biosimilars deemed interchangeable by the FDA are predicted to drive more rapid and efficient conversion to lower-cost alternatives. Cyltezo®, a Humira biosimilar developed by Boehringer Ingelheim, is the first interchangeable Humira biosimilar approved by the FDA. This is a significant milestone, as the FDA’s interchangeability designation allows pharmacists to substitute a biosimilar for the reference product without the intervention of a prescribing healthcare provider unless prohibited by law.  

AVT02 is another interchangeable Humira biosimilar that may be released in July. AVT02, developed by Teva and Alvotech, has already been approved in the European Union, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. 

Other Humira biosimilars expected to launch later this summer include Pfizer’s Abrilada, Celltrion’s Yuflyma®, Samsung Bioepis/Organon’s Hadlima, and Sandoz’s Hyrimoz®. Amgen’s Amjevita™ is already approved and available, and Amgen is working on getting it approved as an interchangeable. Abrilada may also obtain interchangeability before its launch. 

Factors Influencing Payer and PBM Decisions

Payers and pharmacy benefit managers will consider various factors when deciding which Humira biosimilars to add to their formularies. These factors include interchangeability, formulation differences, the manufacturer’s ability to meet demand, and pricing strategy. Among these, pricing will be the most crucial factor. As a trusted partner committed to providing cost-effective solutions for our clients, we are closely watching developments in this area and are committed to bringing forth coverage strategies that balance access and cost. 

About Serve You Rx   
Serve You Rx is a full-service pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) with unquestionable flexibility and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for its clients. With a fervent focus on those it serves, including insurance brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, and their clients, Serve You Rx delivers exceptional service and tailored, cost-effective benefit solutions. Independent and privately held for over 36 years, Serve You Rx can implement new groups in 30 days or less and say “yes” to a wide variety of viable solutions. Known for its adaptability, quality, and client-centricity, Serve You Rx aims to be a benchmark for better client service.

Read more about the Humira biosimilar launch here: Humira Users: Help is on the Way