Scripius Removes Dupixent from Formulary
The decision by Scripius (previously Select Health Prescriptions) was made based on the cost of Dupixent, as well as because of an increased demand to use Dupixent for mild atopic dermatitis when the primary patient population is those with moderate to severe disease.
Scripius (previously Select Health Prescriptions) has removed Dupixent (dupilumab) from its formulary effective July 1, 2023, for new medication starts and Oct. 1, 2023, for current patients. Scripius is part of Select Health, a nonprofit health plan that serves more than 1 million members in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada.
Developed by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Dupixent is approved for multiple indications including atopic dermatitis and asthma. Last year, it was approved for several new uses, including for prurigo nodularis, a rare skin disorder. and for children aged 6 months to 5 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.
Matt Mitchell, Pharm.D.
The decision to remove Dupixent from formulary was made based on the cost, Matt Mitchell, Pharm.D., AVP of Scripius told Formulary Watch. Duprixent has a list price of $3,587.92 per carton for two syringes or pens. It is administered by subcutaneous injection every two or weeks based on age and weight.
“The cost has grown exponentially over the last few years and it’s not slowing down,” he said. “There has been a lot of demand from patients and doctors to use Dupixent for mild atopic dermatitis (AD) when the primary patient population is severe AD. Dermatologists are not looking to really control the use.”
Mitchell said the rebates they were getting on Dupixent weren’t enough to justify continued coverage, and Scripius also wanted to have greater control over the usage of dermatology products.
Mitchell said alternatives being offered for atopic dermatitis include Rinvoq (upadacinib), Cibinqo (abrocitinib) and Adbry (tralokinumab-ldrm). Mitchell pointed out that Adbry has a similar mechanism of action to Dupixent and it has a much lower cost net. “It is a good option if patients are looking for something similar.
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