Driving greater use of biosimilars to help lower drug costs

As part of our total drug management strategy, we actively promote evidence-based use of FDA-approved biosimilars (and other low-cost drug options) that are endorsed by our Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.

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The Basics

Biosimilars are safe, effective alternatives to brand products

A biosimilar is a biologic that is highly similar to and has no clinically meaningful differences from a similar, FDA-approved biologic. Biosimilars are newer to the market but are typically less expensive than reference brand products.

Ground yourself in biosimilar basics

Explore the differences in the regulatory pathways between generics and biosimilars.

Top 10 biosimilar acronyms

It’s okay not to know (or remember) all of the answers all of the time.

Getting biosimilars to market

Discover what works and what doesn’t when getting biosimilars to market.

STRATEGY

Embracing upcoming Humira biosimilars

Long-awaited Humira biosimilars will enter the market in 2023 as some of the first FDA-approved biosimilars processed on the pharmacy benefit. Prime is developing an adoption strategy with our clients to drive cost savings while promoting member health.

Podcast

A PCMA podcast: Understanding the value of biosimilars

Host JC Scott leads a discussion on strategies to increase the use of biosimilars and drive lower specialty drug costs. He’s joined by Dr. Joseph Leach, Prime’s Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer and Jarrod Henshaw, Prime’s Senior Vice President and Innovation & Supply Chain Officer.

Case study

Converting a drug class to biosimilars

In Prime’s case study, three Blue plans added biosimilars to their formularies and preferred them, which delivered savings of $4 million. If all of Prime’s Blue Plan clients did the same and adoption rates followed, projected savings would be $41-$55 million per year.

Product

MedDrive™

This comprehensive solution leverages the collective strength of Prime’s client membership to help control medical costs by including FDA-approved biosimilars, medical rebates and low net cost savings.

News

Press releases

November 3, 2021

Prime Therapeutics backs first interchangeable insulin biosimilar Semglee®

EAGAN, Minn. – Prime Therapeutics LLC (Prime), a leading pharmacy benefit manager (PBM)…

Stories

October 15, 2021

Prime leaders discuss the emerging opportunity for biosimilars

MILI and Prime Therapeutics leadership led a virtual panel discussion on Oct. 13,…

1 U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Federal Trade Commission. (2020, February 3). FDA and FTC Announce New Efforts to Further Deter Anti-Competitive Business Practices, Support Competitive Market for Biological Products to Help Americans [Press release]. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-and-ftc-announce-new-efforts-further-deter-anti-competitive-business-practices-support 

2 Cardinal Health. (2022, June 13). Humira® biosimilar landscape overview. https://www.cardinalhealth.com/en/product-solutions/pharmaceutical-products/biosimilars/humira-biosimilar-landscape-overview.html