The intravenous formulation of Avtozma, a biosimilar of Roche's tocilizumab, has been listed as a preferred drug across all public and private insurance formularies managed by Synergie Collective. Patient reimbursement coverage will take effect in January, paving the way for accelerated prescription growth in the world's largest pharmaceutical market.
The agreement marks Celltrion's second major coverage win since launching Avtozma in October, following its earlier inclusion in Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Minnesota formulary.
Celltrion's U.S. subsidiary has completed the deployment of specialized sales personnel for the rheumatoid arthritis segment, Avtozma's primary indication. A subcutaneous formulation of the drug is slated for release in the first half of next year, which the company expects will further strengthen its market position.
"All products we launched in the U.S. market this year, including Avtozma, Stekima and Stoboclo-Osenvelt, have been smoothly listed on major PBM formularies, successfully laying the groundwork for accelerating patient prescriptions," said a Celltrion spokesperson.
The top five PBMs control more than 90 percent of the U.S. prescription drug reimbursement market, making their formulary decisions a critical factor for commercial success in the country.
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