[Celltrion Press Release] On August 13, Celltrion USA announced its FDA-approved biosimilar adalimumab-aaty, has been added to the Costco member prescription program. Adalimumab-aaty is a high-concentration(100mg/mL) and citrate-free biosimilar to Humira(adalimumab).

Adalimumab-aaty is approved for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and Hidradenitis Suppurativa. The treatment has been available in the U.S. from Costco Specialty Pharmacy on October 1, 2023 for self-funded employer plans and will now be available for all Costco members through the Costco Member Prescription Program.

"We are pleased to partner with Costco, the largest warehouse club and third-largest retailer in America," said Francine Galante, Vice President of Market Access at Celltrion USA. "We are committed to increasing patient choice through access to biosimilars. The inclusion of adalimumab-aaty to the Costco Member Prescription Program will expand patients' treatment options and help reduce healthcare costs."

More than 80% of patients treated with Humira in the U.S. utilize a high-concentration and citrate-free formulation. Adalimumab-aaty provides additional benefits of administration via a latex-free device and a longer shelf life due to its ability to maintain a stability at 77°F for 31 days. 

The Costco Member Prescription Program is a prescription drug discount card program that provides eligible Costco members and their eligible dependents the ability to obtain lower prices on adalimumab-aaty and other participating drugs at participating pharmacies. Costco members who are uninsured and want to pay cash for their adalimumab-aaty prescription, or who have been denied coverage by their insurer, may use this program to fill their adalimumab-aaty prescriptions at a substantial savings. The pricing available through the discount card applies at Costco Specialty Pharmacies. 

"Celltrion is well positioned for continued growth in the U.S. market, which will increase competition and, ultimately, access to high-quality biosimilars and biologic products at a reduced cost," said Tom Nusbickel, Chief Commercial Officer at Celltrion USA. "To further enhance patient access, we are increasing our manufacturing capacity and strengthening our supply chain resilience to ensure delivery of patient treatment."