Cigna to Provide Humira Alternatives with $0 Copay at Specialty Pharmacy

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Cigna’s initiative to provide close copies of AbbVie’s Humira at no out-of-pocket cost to eligible patients in the U.S. marks a significant step towards increasing access to affordable biologic medicines. The availability of biosimilars from various manufacturers through Cigna’s Accredo pharmacy aims to offer patients options while prioritizing clinical care and affordability.

Unlike traditional generic drugs, biosimilars are not exact replicas of the original biological medicine but closely resemble them. Despite the introduction of several biosimilars in the U.S. market, AbbVie has retained a significant share of the Humira market. However, recent shifts, such as CVS Health’s decision to recommend reimbursement for biosimilar Hyrimoz, indicate a growing acceptance of biosimilars.

Cigna’s decision to offer biosimilars of Humira at a significantly lower cost, approximately 85% lower than the monthly list price of Humira, is expected to provide substantial savings for patients. By collaborating with manufacturers and distributors, Cigna aims to make these biosimilars accessible to a large number of patients, potentially saving thousands of dollars annually per patient.

The designation of certain biosimilars as interchangeable further facilitates their adoption, allowing them to be substituted for the original without consulting the prescriber. This streamlines the process and enhances patient access to cost-effective alternatives.

Overall, Cigna’s initiative represents a significant advancement in promoting affordability and accessibility in biologic medicines, ultimately benefiting patients who rely on these therapies for their health needs.