Amjevita For Inflammation

Here is a bit more information about Amgen's Humira biosimilar (generic) called Amjevita. Humira is an inflammation drug used to target pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and a condition called spondylitis.

Humira is owned by AbbVie and is the best-selling drug on the planet, raking in $18 billion in sales per annum. So you can see why a cheaper biosimilar from Amgen could prove to be popular. As with all things healthcare related in the US, pricing is complicated.

Amjevita has just hit the market at two pricing points. One is 55% below Humira's list price ($6 992 per month) and the other is only 5% below that price. It all depends on rebate dynamics as to which product might be more popular.

Before you get too excited as an Amgen shareholder, note that Novartis, Pfizer, Mylan and a few others also have Humira-alternatives launching this year. This is what happens when a drug patent expires after 20 years. At the end of the day, it's the patients who will hopefully get the most benefit.