Story perspectives

Biosimilar Market Struggles Amid PBM Anti-Competitive Practices

9/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. biosimilar market struggles with anti-competitive practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), favoring costly products.
Recent Stelara biosimilars face challenges from private-label versions, complicating patient access and pricing.
Patent thickets and lengthy litigation delay biosimilar competition, limiting affordable options for patients.
Humira-referenced biosimilars captured under 3% market share in the U.S. one year post-launch, unlike over 50% in Europe.
PBMs' strategies create conflicts of interest, increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients.

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Story summary

The U.S. biosimilar market struggles with anti-competitive practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), favoring costly products.
Recent Stelara biosimilars face challenges from private-label versions, complicating patient access and pricing.
Patent thickets and lengthy litigation delay biosimilar competition, limiting affordable options for patients.
Humira-referenced biosimilars captured under 3% market share in the U.S. one year post-launch, unlike over 50% in Europe.
PBMs' strategies create conflicts of interest, increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients.