Coherus BioSciences has signed a US national distribution agreement with speciality pharmacy Superior Biologics to sell the former’s Humira biosimilar at $995 per carton of two 40mg autoinjectors.
This cost is at a sharp discount from two AbbVie’s originator biologic Humira 40mg syringes, which cost $6,922.
In June 2023, Coherus explored a partnership with billionaire Mark Cuban’s online pharmacy Cost Plus Drugs, with a slightly higher price of $1,138 for two 40mg Yusimry autoinjectors. The deal did not cover additional charges for shipping and dispensing, and health insurance providers not providing coverage for the prescription.
Humira is a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blocker that is indicated for various adult and paediatric conditions, including various forms of arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. The therapy was AbbVie’s blockbuster drug with sales of $21.2bn in 2022.
GlobalData estimates the market for Humira biosimilars to reach is expected to reach $514.4m in 2023 across the seven major pharmaceutical markets (US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, and Japan). Amgen’s Amjevita, Humira biosimilar, was the first to capitalise on this having started its US roll-out in January this year.
Still, the Humira biosimilars are expected to face market resistance in the US due to how certain insurers cover drug contracts, and the reluctance of both doctors and patients to switch to the biosimilar in some conditions. In 2025, GlobalData forecasts AbbVie to remain a market leader, and Yusimry to have global sales of $436m in 2025.
GlobalData is the parent company of Pharmaceutical Technology.
Coherus CEO Denny Lanfear said: “Coherus is pleased to work with Superior Biologics for nationwide distribution of Yusimry, providing patients and their plan sponsors access to a high-quality, safe, and effective treatment at significant savings compared to Humira.
“Through this unique distribution partnership, we can bring Yusmiry immediately to patients throughout the United States.”