Humira biosimilars at discounted prices to meet market demand for accessible treatment

Several biosimilars to AbbVie’s monoclonal antibody therapeutic Humira were launched by various pharmaceutical giants this week in the US, with more expected to be released by the end of the year as the patent expires.

The partnership between Organon and Samsung Bioepis launched the biosimilar Hadlima in the US, listed at an 85% discount rate of Humira at USD $1038 per month compared to Humira’s USD $6922 per month. Hadlima functions as a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blocker for the indications of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory diseases. Other biosimilars released in the past week include Sandoz’s Hyrimoz, at a 5% discount to Humira’s price, and an unbranded version at an 81% discount. Boehringer Ingelheim also released Cyltezo at a 5–7% price drop. Amgen was the first company to release a biosimilar of Humira in the US earlier this year at a 5% and 55% discount, depending on the purchaser. 

Though Organon and Samsung Bioepis did not confirm whether pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who negotiate insurance coverage for large employers and health insurance plans, had secured reimbursement of Hadlima, healthcare experts had previously stated their expectations that some biosimilars of Humira would debut with a discount in order to appeal to these PBMs.  

Unlike generics, biosimilars are not necessarily exact copies of an innovative drug product whose patent has expired. While both are often touted as cheaper versions of name-brand drugs, biosimilars may achieve the same therapeutic and clinical result without exact duplication – they are drugs that are ‘highly similar’. Additionally, biosimilars aim to model the effects of drug products made from living organisms as therapeutic ingredients while generics are copies of synthetic drugs. 

CEO of Organon Kevin Ali stated of the launch: “As the largest loss-of-exclusivity event in pharmaceutical history, this is a singular moment for the US healthcare system to embrace biosimilars. Every stakeholder should be invested in the success of this market to realise the value biosimilars can create for patients, providers, and the US healthcare economy. We are thrilled to now provide Hadlima in the US at a more affordable cost and expand much-needed access to adalimumab.” 

At least nine drug products considered to be clinical copies of Humira are expected to be released in the US by the end of 2023, with companies such as Pfizer and Celltrion announcing plans for their own biosimilar launches. 

Sources 

1. Organon, Samsung Bioepis launch copycat for arthritis drug Humira at 85% discount [Accessed July 3, 2023] https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/organon-samsung-bioepis-launch-copycat-arthritis-drug-humira-85-discount-2023-07-01/  

2. Sandoz launches rival version of AbbVie’s arthritis drug Humira [Accessed July 3, 2023] https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/sandoz-launches-rival-version-abbvies-arthritis-drug-humira-2023-07-01/  

3. Organon & Samsung Bioepis Announce US Launch of HUMIRA Biosimilar HADLIMATM (adalimumab-bwwd) in Multiple Presentations Consistent with Originator [Accessed July 3, 2023] https://www.organon.com/news/organon-samsung-bioepis-announce-us-launch-of-humira-biosimilar-hadlima-adalimumab-bwwd-in-multiple-presentations-consistent-with-originator/