In 2019, the two companies signed a settlement that would give Coherus the global non-exclusive licence rights to commercialize its Humira (adalimumab) biosimilar (CHS-1420/Yusimry) and pay royalties to AbbVie, the producer of the originator/reference product.

However, AbbVie alleged a breach of this agreement as Coherus announced it would launch its biosimilar version of AbbVie's Humira, at an 85% discount to the list price of about US$6,922 and will sell it at US$569.27 (plus shipping and fees). Coherus has partnered with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company to facilitate the low-price sales. Following US approval in 2021 [2], the biosimilar is set to launch in July 2023 and will be the lowest priced adalimumab product available in the US with a list price of US$995 per carton (2 x 40 mg/0.8 mL autoinjectors) [3]. 

In response, Coherus filed a restraining order against AbbVie to keep it from terminating the 2019 licensing deal. This was followed by a preliminary injunction against Coherus, which remains in place. However, the companies have now agreed that AbbVie would not terminate its licensing deal based on the notice and as such, the restraining order has been retracted.

Adalimumab, sold under the brand name Humira, is the monoclonal antibody used to treat a range of inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [4, 5]. Since first launching in the US in 2003, Humira® as a product has evolved in many ways including new concentrations, citrate-free versions, latex-free delivery devices, and smaller needle gauges [6]. 

Coherus’ biosimilar, Yusimry has a state-of-the-art autoinjector presentation and includes Coherus’ proprietary non-stinging, citrate-free formulation and a 29-gauge needle. It is also proposed that Yusimry will be included in the Team Cuban Card prescription benefit programme through participating pharmacies. This card provides patients the flexibility to get prescriptions filled at a local independent pharmacy at the same low prices they expect from Cost Plus Drugs. It also supports the independent pharmacy community with fair dispensing fees and a transparent pricing structure.

Related articles
FDA accepts application for high concentration Adalimumab biosimilar

New adalimumab biosimilars prepare to launch in Canada, US and Europe 

Boehringer wins access to Humira documents as Janssen’s Remicade is relisted in Quebec

References
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. AbbVie and Coherus sign licensing deal for Humira biosimilar  [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2023 Aug 11]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/pharma-news/AbbVie-and-Coherus-sign-licensing-deal-for-Humira-biosimilar
2. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. FDA approves adalimumab and insulin glargine biosimilars Yusimry and Rezvoglar [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2023 Aug 11]. Available from:
www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/news/fda-approves-adalimumab-and-insulin-glargine-biosimilars-yusimry-and-rezvoglar
3. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Coherus: lowest price adalimumab biosimilars announced  [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2023 Aug 11]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/news/coherus-lowest-price-adalimumab-biosimilars-announced
4. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Biosimilars of adalimumab [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2023 Aug 11]. Available from:
www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/general/Biosimilars-of-adalimumab
5. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Switching from adalimumab originator and ABP501 to SB5 in arthritis patients  [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2023 Aug 11]. Available from:
www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/research/switching-from-adalimumab-originator-and-abp501-to-sb5-in-arthritis-patients
6. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Humira (adalimumab) biosimilars pipeline  [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2023 Aug 11]. Available from:
www.gabionline.net/reports/humira-adalimumab-biosimilars-pipeline

Permission granted to reproduce for personal and non-commercial use only. All other reproduction, copy or reprinting of all or part of any ‘Content’ found on this website is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of the publisher. Contact the publisher to obtain permission before redistributing.

Copyright – Unless otherwise stated all contents of this website are © 2023 Pro Pharma Communications International. All Rights Reserved.