Blockbuster drug Humira has new competition. Here’s why that matters

Humira has been the world’s best selling medicine since it arrived on the market in 2002. Now, it is finally getting competition with the release of Amgen’s biosimilar drug, Amjevita. Humira’s main patent on Humira expired in 2016, but a byzantine patent saga has kept other drug makers from offering their own version of the monoclonal antibody used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and crohn’s disease.
In this video, STAT senior writer Ed Silverman breaks down the convoluted world of pharmacy benefit managers, formularies, and a legal maneuver called “patent thicketing” that controls how much patients pay for this beneficial treatment.

[@arleighbarley]

I was in remission (colitis) for years on humira then my insurance switched me to amjevita. I got so sick, even when we doubled the amjevita. Practically housebound by the 6th month. After 8 months I was able to switch to a different insurance who put me back on humira and I’m finally starting to feel better. That’s just my story. The Humira equivalent might work for others but it doesn’t work for everyone.

[@etcwhatever]

Well theyre giving me yuflima by sandoz. I have ankylosing spondilitis...it did ease my symptoms but only for 4 days and i take one pen evey 2 weeks. I hope the doctor lets me do 1 pen weekly. She has to ask for permission and im waiting for it. Wow youve been through a lot. Take care

[@highlysuggestible861]

very interesting, the exact same thing is happening to me.

[@mimsydreams]

My insurance switched me from Humira to Hyrimoz. Time will tell, if it's truly similar... I'm nervous as heck, to be honest. That's why I'm in youtube doing research! It's always just about money, when it comes to insurance and what they cover.

[@daddypapi3842]

Hi @mimsydreams, how is Hyrimoz working for you? Thank you.

[@Noseyy]

Hey, I just made the switch from Humira to Hyrimoz. Hoping it went well for you, could you let me know how it’s been?

[@mimsydreams]

@Noseyy Hello! It's been fine, so far. I've been upped to 80mg, which basically has about as much effectiveness as when I was on 40mg Humira. But no new side effects or changes since taking it. I wish you luck!

[@Noseyy]

@@mimsydreams Awesome thank you for the reply this helped comfort me a bit appreciate it

[@highlysuggestible861]

Here n New Zealand, Humira is $1599 per injection, Amjevita, $199. (NZD) That's $999 & $124 USD.

[@etcwhatever]

I take yuflima from sandoz lab. In Portugal we dont pay for the pens. The hospital gives them to the patients...amgevita also exists here but also free funded by our national health system

[@highlysuggestible861]

Interesting, the prices I quoted are also covered by our health system but that's what the NZ Govt pays for them. @@etcwhatever

[@mimsydreams]

​@@etcwhateverLucky!

[@etcwhatever]

@@mimsydreams i pay enough taxes to cover it though hehehe

[@mimsydreams]

@etcwhatever I'm more than willing to pay more taxes to have universal healthcare or even affordable healthcare in the USA. I'd be paying way less than the cost of insurance + copays. I pay for a premium insurance plan, but I still can not afford to go to the doctor sometimes or afford to get my meds from the pharmacy. Healthcare makes zero sense here 😒

[@archaney]

FYI - I received a letter today, 2-28-2024, from the Veteran's Administration advising me that they are switching me from Humira to Hadlima.

[@etcwhatever]

How are you feeling? Does it work as good as humira or not. I wonder for how many days does the med work. Because i never was given humira. The pens i take arent doing much beyond 4 days

[@DonaBranca735]

Playing with peoples lives is ethically immoral! Health Insurance is almost unaffordable for must of us. I just got a bill for Humira $1.700. How can someone poor as I am can afford it?

[@stiggiestigwood3310]

Not gonna comment on the substance of his remarks other than to say he’s to be commended for actually pronouncing the name of this drug in a way that comports with its spelling. Hew-MAIR-uh is what the commercials try to push, prolly because some ad exec thought going with a legit short or long-voweled “i” wld sound inelegant.