SmithRx is first PBM to Offer Humira Biosimilar Yusimry

SmithRx is working with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company to provide Yusimry (adalimumab-aqvh), offering the Humira biosimilar through the online mail-order pharmacy for $569.27 plus dispensing and shipping fees. SmithRx members will also be able to apply their insurance benefits. SmithRx will be the first PBM to provide access to the Yusimry.

Jake Frenz

“Unlike traditional PBMs, SmithRx prioritizes transparency and up-front cost savings. Humira is often an employer’s top drug expense so offering a low-cost alternative will have significant impact,” Jake Frenz, chief executive officer and founder of SmithRx, said in a press release. SmithRx works with more than 250 broker offices and serves more than 2,500 employers in the United States. Founded in 2016, SmithRx uses a per member per month (PMPM) revenue model and includes pass-through pricing to clients. SmithRx executives said plan sponsors pay what the pharmacy is paid, and receive all manufacturer rebates.

Yusimry, approved by the FDA in 2021, is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, and to treat Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Coherus will launch Yusimry in July with a list price of $995 per carton (2 autoinjectors), which represents an 85% discount off Humira list price of $6,922 per carton of two autoinjectors. Earlier this month, Cost Plus Drugs and Coherus Biosciences announced plans to offer the biosimilar. Yusimry will also be included in the Team Cuban Card (teamcubancard.com) prescription benefit program through participating pharmacies.

Amgen launched the first of the highly anticipated biosimilars Humira in January. Amgen said at the time it is making Amjevita (adalimumab-atto) available with two pricing options. The first is a 5% below the current Humira price, while the second is 55% below the current Humira list price.