All of the Big Three PBMs have added private-label subsidiaries into their fold that are working closely with some manufacturers. And while industry experts say that the companies offer certain benefits to the U.S. health care system overall, questions about them remain. Still, the entities could offer benefits to their pharma partners, including better formulary positioning and potentially even moving away from rebates.
Two of the companies, both based in Ireland, seem to be mainly, if not exclusively, focused on biosimilars, starting with those of AbbVie Inc.’s best-selling Humira (adalimumab).