Cigna will add Humira biosimilars to its pharmacy formulary, giving the new, cheaper alternative products hitting the market next year the same position as the drug.
In a Dec. 5 news release, Katy Wong, Cigna Pharmacy's chief pharmacy officer, said the biosimilars can achieve lower costs for employers and members.
"By placing biosimilars on our formularies in the same position as Humira, we're also ensuring that physicians and patients have choice and flexibility as they assess these additional biosimilar therapies," Ms. Wong said.
UnitedHealth Group said it will adopt a similar policy for the biosimilars in November.
Humira, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions, is expensive. According to a report from the House of Representatives' Committee on Oversight and Reform, in 2021, Humira cost $77,000 per patient a year, almost five times higher than when the drug was first introduced on the market in 2003.