Express Scripts, AbbVie Enter Multi-Year Deal For Access To Hepatitis C Drug

(RTTNews) - Express Scripts (ESRX) announced an update to its National Preferred Formulary that will significantly expand access to AbbVie's (ABBV) new medication, Viekira Pak, a breakthrough treatment for hepatitis C.

Commenting on Viekira Pak, the company said it received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on December 19, was determined to be at least clinically equivalent to Harvoni and Sovaldi by Express Scripts' independent Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee.

As a result of the committee's determination, Viekira Pak will immediately be added to the Express Scripts formulary, and will be the exclusive option for patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C, regardless of symptoms or disease progression, starting January 1, 2015.

Beginning January 1, 2015, Sovaldi, Harvoni and Olysio will be excluded from the National Preferred Formulary. Sovaldi, Harvoni and Olysio will continue to be available for patients who have already begun treatment regimens. Sovaldi will be available for patients with other hepatitis C genotypes who have advanced liver disease, according to the company.

The company said that unlike pricier hepatitis C medications that many U.S. payers were covering only for patients experiencing stage 3 or 4 liver disease, Viekira Pak will be available for all clinically appropriate plan members covered by the Express Scripts National Preferred Formulary.

As part of Express Scripts' Hepatitis Cure Value or HCV Program, Viekira Pak will be dispensed through the Accredo Specialty Pharmacy, which delivers superior treatment outcomes, better adherence, and cost effectiveness compared to other specialty pharmacies.