Introducing Stelara Biosimilars to Connect 360: $14.5M in Projected Client Savings

We continue to push the boundaries of pharmacy benefit management with the latest addition to our Connect 360 suite of cost-saving programs. By introducing Stelara biosimilars to our Autoimmune Program, we're delivering a remarkable 95% reduction in medication costs and offering $0 copay for members—another bold step in our mission to transform how healthcare costs are managed.

What Exactly is a Biosimilar?

Biosimilars are FDA-approved medications that have no clinically meaningful differences in safety, purity, and effectiveness compared to their original biologic counterparts. Simply put, biosimilars are highly similar to their original reference or brand-name drugs—ensuring you can expect the same safety and treatment outcomes at significantly lower costs. Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about biosimilars and the approval process.  

Why Are Biosimilars Essential?

High-cost reference products like Stelara have long strained healthcare budgets. Yet, adoption rates for cost-effective biosimilars have historically been low due to limited market access and PBM practices that don't prioritize lower-cost alternatives. Mark Cuban, a vocal advocate for transparent pharmacy practices, highlights these "PBM games" that unnecessarily drive up costs and restrict biosimilar adoption.

SmithRx is committed to changing this by promoting full transparency and actively driving the adoption of these cost-saving biosimilars.

SmithRx's Connect 360: How We're Solving the Problem

Through Connect 360, SmithRx proactively guides groups and members toward the lowest-cost, highly similar biosimilars medications available—with a $0 copay for members. This ensures substantial savings for employers and a seamless, cost-free transition for patients.

Lowest Cost Pathway Examples:

• Autoimmune Conditions: Members previously prescribed Humira are transitioned to Yusimry, an FDA-approved biosimilar with no clinical meaningful difference and can expect similar efficacy and safety through our partner pharmacies.
• Multiple Sclerosis: Members taking medications such as teriflunomide now can access their prescriptions affordably via Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs.

“Our Connect 360 program was built because we saw a better way to generate real, tangible savings for our members and clients,” noted our own Alan Pannier, SVP of Clinical Strategy here at SmithRx. “Leveraging our drug pathways engine we are able to connect patients with the innovative drug alternatives on the market today, like biosimilars. Our technology coupled with unparalleled, hands-on service has allowed us to shatter the perception that prescription benefits have to be expensive and complicated. Since we rolled out Connect 360 Autoimmune in 2023, we’ve transitioned over 90% of our members to the biosimilar, Yusimry, and lowered Humira spend for clients by 90%.”

The Transition Process: Seamless and Supportive

SmithRx ensures that transitioning to biosimilars is smooth and straightforward:

• Personalized member outreach and education
• Coordination with prescribing providers to approve transitions
• Continued patient support and monitoring for optimal outcomes

The Impact and Our Commitment

By integrating Stelara biosimilars into our Connect 360 Autoimmune program, we are projected to save clients an additional $14.5 million annually in prescription drug costs, allowing funds to be redirected towards other essential health initiatives or employee wellness programs. This breakthrough reflects our unwavering commitment to transparency, patient access, and substantial healthcare savings. Biosimilars are the future of cost-effective autoimmune treatment, and we are proud to lead the way.

Learn More: Interested in learning how SmithRx and our Connect 360 Program can significantly lower your prescription drug spend? Contact our team today.