News Briefs: Multiple Developments Around Biosimilar Humiras Occurred
Multiple developments around biosimilar versions of AbbVie Inc.’s Humira (adalimumab) have occurred. Teva Pharmaceuticals, a unit of Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., and Alvotech launched Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) in the U.S., the companies disclosed on May 20. The FDA approved the interchangeable, high-concentration, citrate-free drug on Feb. 23 for nine of its reference drug’s indications.…Boehringer Ingelheim said on May 13 that it had signed an agreement with Quallent Pharmaceuticals, a private-label pharmaceutical distributor that is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Cigna Group, to offer both high- and low-concentration, citrate-free versions of adalimumab-adbm through a copay assistance program. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor’s interchangeable designation applies to the low-concentration version. Boehringer will continue to commercialize that agent and its branded version, Cyltezo, which has approval for nine of Humira’s indications.…Celltrion USA has made its high-concentration, citrate-free adalimumab-aaty available at a low wholesale acquisition cost that is an 85% discount to Humira’s WAC, the company revealed on May 9. Its branded version, Yuflyma, remains available at a 5% discount to Humira’s WAC. The agent is approved for eight of Humira’s indications.
