HR Update
Starting February 1, 2025, the University of Minnesota health plan will no longer cover Humira, but will cover three Humira biosimilar products: Hadlima, adalimumab-aaty and adalimumab-adaz. These biosimilars are the preferred specialty drugs replacing Humira. Members currently taking Humira will have the option to switch to any of these three without requiring new prior authorization approvals.
Learn more about biosimilars and each of these products below.
What are biologics and biosimilars?
A biologic is a type of medicine that is made from natural and living sources, such as cells or proteins. Because they come from living sources, these medications tend to be more complex than other types of medicines, which may be made from chemicals, and are simpler to make.
A biosimilar is a medicine that is highly similar to a biologic, known as a reference product, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved. Biosimilars are carefully tested for safety and effectiveness to ensure that they provide the same treatment benefits as the reference biologic. Biosimilars can cost less than the reference biologic.
You can learn more from the FDA Overview of Biosimilars or by watching the FDA’s video “Biosimilar Medications — What Patients Need to Know.” If you have questions about your biologic medication or biosimilars, reach out to Fairview Specialty Pharmacy by calling 877-509-5115.
New Humira Biosimilars Added to the Formulary
As of November 2024, there were 10 marketers of Humira biosimilars in the United States. After review of the available biosimilars, three Humira biosimilars products were selected to best meet University employees’ needs.
Hadlima (manufactured by Samsung Bioepis, marketed by Organon)
Currently available as 40mg/0.4mL and 40mg/0.8mL prefilled syringes and auto-injector pens.This manufacturer offers a patient financial assistance program.
Adalimumab-aaty (manufactured by Celltrion Inc.)
Currently available as 20mg/0.2mL prefilled syringes, 40mg/0.4mL prefilled syringes and auto-injector pens, and 80mg/0.8mL auto-injector pens. This manufacturer offers a patient financial assistance program.
Adalimumab-adaz (manufactured by Sandoz Inc.)
Currently available as 40mg/0.4mL and prefilled syringes and auto-injector pens. This manufacturer offers a patient financial assistance program.
Join a Live Webinar to Learn More
On January 30 at noon, Fairview Specialty Pharmacy will present on the Humira biosimilar transition and provide an opportunity for a Q&A. Register for the live webinar.