Express Scripts to seek discounts for Repatha, Praluent

Express Scripts Holding Co. (NASDAQ:ESRX) said its Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee will meet next month to evaluate whether to include PCSK9 inhibitors Repatha evolocumab and Praluent alirocumab in the PBM's formulary. FDA approved Repatha Thursday; the agency approved Praluent last month (see BioCentury Extra, Aug. 27).

Express Scripts said it would seek discounts based on "natural market competition" that would influence the drugs' costs. Both were approved as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Repatha was also approved to treat homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). ...