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.
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 Humira biosimilars
Long-awaited biosimilars for the popular specialty drug Humira have entered the market are some of the first FDA-approved biosimilars to be processed under the pharmacy benefit. We have developed an adoption strategy to drive 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®
Formularies to include biosimilar over brand Lantus®, saving millions of dollars for health plans and their members
Stories
October 15, 2021
Prime leaders discuss the emerging opportunity for biosimilars
The Medical Industry Leadership Institute (MILI) at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management collaborated with Prime Therapeutics to present “The Changing Market of Biosimilars”
1 Mulcahy, A. and Buttorff, C. (July 2022). Projected US savings from biosimilars, 2021–2025. The American Journal of Managed Care, 28(7). https://www.ajmc.com/view/projected-us-savings-from-biosimilars-2021-2025
2 Prime 2022 and 2023 historical data and projected prices through 2024