UPLYMA Low WAC,
, “Celltrion has introduced a ‘dual pricing’ policy for the biosimilar drug ‘UPLYMA’ (generic name adalimumab) used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases in the United States. It is interpreted as a measure taken as the high-priced UPLYMA released last year failed to secure a significant market share in the U.S.”,
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, ‘Celltrion recently announced the release of a low wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) version of UPLYMA, named UPLYMA Low WAC, priced at $1038 (for a two-dose regimen) with an 85% discount from the original product’s WAC in the U.S.’,
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, ‘In the U.S., different pricing or rebate strategies are applied for preferred drug prices or market types by insurers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), etc. In order to comprehensively meet their needs, the same product may be approved and released as separate products at different prices.’,
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, ‘With the introduction of the Low WAC product, Celltrion has officially launched the dual pricing policy for UPLYMA in the U.S., along with the high wholesale price (High WAC) version released earlier at $6576.5 (for a two-dose regimen) with a 5% discount from the original product’s WAC introduced in July last year. The High WAC product is supplied in markets with low rebate proportions, while the Low WAC version of UPLYMA is supplied in markets with higher rebate levels.’,
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, ‘Celltrion announced in April on its website that it had signed a contract with a large PBM in the U.S. for the inclusion of the Low WAC UPLYMA in their prescription formulary.’,
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, ‘Celltrion expects long-term effects from the dual pricing policy of UPLYMA as a proactive response to the Inflation Rebate Act (IRA) scheduled to be implemented in 2025. After the implementation of IRA, insurers and PBMs will have an increased preference for the Low WAC product as they will be required to pay part of the excess cost for drugs with annual patient out-of-pocket expenses exceeding $2000. ‘,
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, ‘Celltrion plans to continue its success by actively utilizing the dual pricing policy of UPLYMA to quickly contract with remaining large PBMs and even small PBMs. It expects that through Low WAC UPLYMA, market expansion targeting patients without insurance and small PBMs with low rebate negotiation power will be possible.’,
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, ‘Humira, the original drug of UPLYMA, is a global blockbuster product that recorded sales of approximately $14.44 billion (approximately 18.73 trillion won) as of 2023. Of this, over 84% of total sales, approximately $12.16 billion (approximately 15.81 trillion won), were generated in the largest pharmaceutical market, the U.S.’,
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, ‘Thomas Nusbickel, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Celltrion’s U.S. subsidiary, said, “As the approach to pharmaceuticals in the U.S. continues to diversify, the market has expanded the benefits of competition, such as price reduction and enhanced medical access for patients, through the introduction of biosimilars.” He added, “Through the dual pricing policy, accessibility to UPLYMA will improve further, leading to economic benefits for autoimmune disease patients and the overall healthcare system.”’,
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