Denying Inappropriate PCSK9 Prescriptions Keeps Costs In Check For Express Scripts

About 50% of the scripts being written for the cholesterol-lowering drugs are being denied, Chief Trade Relations Officer Everett Neville indicated during the Pharmaceutical Strategy Conference.

Express Scripts Holding Co.’s Chief Trade Relations Officer Everett Neville said the pharmacy benefit manager’s approach to managing the new PCSK9 inhibitors – Amgen Inc.’s Repatha and Sanofi/Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s Praluent – is very different from its strategy in hepatitis C, where it ended up excluding one firm's product in favor of another.

“Yes, cost is an issue. They are overpriced, but the most important factor with the PCSK9s is that not many patients should be on the drug today, based on the...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Market Access

US ‘Most Favored Nation’ Pricing Could be Game Changer for Drug Access In Germany

 

In this first in a series of articles looking at the potential impact of the MFN drug pricing policy on European pharmaceutical markets, EUCOPE’s Alexander Natz tells the Pink Sheet why the US policy underscores the importance of confidential net pricing.

US FDA Will Help States Apply To Import Cheaper Drugs From Canada

 
• By 

The FDA is not currently signaling that stringent rules for the process will be relaxed, but the agency's change in approach is notable.

Global Pandemic Deal Adopted As 124 Countries Say Yes; US Sits Out

 

Now that the landmark Pandemic Agreement has finally been adopted, work will start on drafting a pathogen access and benefit sharing system that will be voluntary for use by drug companies.

HHS Negotiating With Manufacturers On Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing

 
• By 

MFN policy would would apply to all single source drugs in all insurance markets, according to HHS release. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the department is discussing the plan with drug sponsors.

More from Pink Sheet

Non-User Fee Dollars Increased In US FDA’s Updated FY 2026 Budget Request

 

The budget authority total, which is significantly higher than the amount floated in an April OMB draft document, suggests there may have been successful lobbying to increase FDA funding.

US ‘Most Favored Nation’ Pricing Could be Game Changer for Drug Access In Germany

 

In this first in a series of articles looking at the potential impact of the MFN drug pricing policy on European pharmaceutical markets, EUCOPE’s Alexander Natz tells the Pink Sheet why the US policy underscores the importance of confidential net pricing.

ICH Targets RWE, Rare Diseases, Biosimilars, ATMPs In New Guideline Push

 
• By 

The International Council for Harmonisation has identified four new topics that can benefit from global regulatory alignment, with timelines for initiating work to be determined later.