In August 2016, we reported that CVS dropped Neupogen® (filgrastim) and Lantus® (insulin glargine) from its standard formulary and replaced them with biosimilar versions. Hikes in insulin drug prices have prompted pharmacies and insurers to change their formularies in favor of biosimilar alternatives, as reported this week by USA Today.

In June 2016, Vermont enacted a new law to address drug pricing issues. Under this new law, companies are required to justify any big price increases to the office of Vermont’s attorney general so that the office can issue an annual report detailing their findings. The attorney general’s office issued its first report under the law last month.  The report identified 10 drugs, including Humira®, Enbrel® and Lantus®, whose prices over five years increased by 113.79%, 92.73% and 89.83% respectively.

Stay tuned for more updates on this and more from Big Molecule Watch.