Boehringer Ingelheim Launches Affordable Biosimilar of Humira, Offering Significant Savings

German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim has introduced an unbranded version of its biosimilar for AbbVie’s popular rheumatoid arthritis drug, Humira. With a list price 81% lower than Humira, this move aims to provide patients with a more affordable treatment option. Boehringer Ingelheim’s biosimilars have been designated as interchangeable by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, making them the only alternatives that can be substituted for the original without consulting the prescriber.

The launch of the unbranded version follows the introduction of Boehringer’s branded biosimilar, Cyltezo, which was priced at a 5% discount to Humira. The company’s strategy is to offer dual pricing options to cater to different market segments. By making a lower-cost version available, Boehringer aims to attract pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and healthcare systems that seek more affordable biosimilars for their formularies.

Boehringer is currently in negotiations with PBMs to include the unbranded version on their lists of covered medicines. Optum RX, one of the largest PBMs in the United States and part of UnitedHealth Group, has already committed to covering the lower-cost version of Cyltezo. However, some experts have expressed concerns that heavily discounted versions of Humira may not be widely available due to the preferences of PBMs that control a significant portion of the prescription drug market.

The introduction of biosimilars offers an opportunity to reduce healthcare costs while maintaining the effectiveness of treatment. Unlike generic drugs, biosimilars are not exact copies but closely resemble the original biologic medicine. Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to providing affordable options for patients with rheumatoid arthritis is a positive step towards increasing access to vital treatments.

As the competition among biosimilar manufacturers intensifies, other companies such as Novartis unit Sandoz and Amgen have also launched Humira biosimilars with different pricing tiers. This variety of options will likely contribute to increased affordability and availability of biosimilars in the market.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s efforts to offer cost-effective alternatives to Humira demonstrate their commitment to patient-centric healthcare. By providing more affordable treatment options, the company aims to ensure that biosimilars are accessible to a larger number of patients, ultimately improving their quality of life.