Drug Price Trends for HUMIRA(CF)

Average Pharmacy Cost for HUMIRA(CF)

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
HUMIRA(CF) PEN 40 MG/0.4 ML	00074-0554-02	3362.37567	EACH	2025-03-19
HUMIRA(CF) 40 MG/0.4 ML SYRINGE	00074-0243-02	3360.80000	EACH	2025-03-19
HUMIRA(CF) PEN PS-UV-ADOL HS START 80 MG/0.8 ML-40 MG/0.4 ML	00074-1539-03	4441.46944	EACH	2025-03-19

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Humira (CF)

Introduction to Humira

Humira, developed by AbbVie, is a monoclonal antibody therapeutic that targets TNF-alpha, a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in several immune-mediated conditions. First approved by the FDA in 2002 for rheumatoid arthritis, Humira has since become a blockbuster drug with additional indications for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis[4].

Current Market Position

As of 2024, Humira remains one of the top-selling drugs globally, but its market dominance is being eroded by the entry of biosimilars. In 2021, Humira generated $20.6 billion in revenue, but by 2023, its global sales dipped to $14.4 billion due to growing biosimilar competition[4].

Impact of Biosimilars

The introduction of Humira biosimilars in the U.S. market in January 2023 has significantly impacted AbbVie’s market share. Biosimilars such as Amgen’s Amjevita, Celltrion’s Yuflyma, and Boehringer Ingelheim’s Cyltezo have gained traction. Notably, Sandoz’s Hyrimoz, which is co-preferred with Humira on several national formularies, has seen a surge in prescriptions and now controls around 13% of the market[2][4].

Market Share and Sales Projections

By 2025, Humira is expected to fall to the sixth spot in the rankings of best-selling medications, according to GlobalData forecasts. Despite this, Humira is still projected to retain significant sales, estimated at $10.3 billion in 2025[1].

Pricing and Formulary Changes

The pricing strategy of biosimilars has been aggressive, with some biosimilars offering discounts of up to 85% compared to Humira. However, pricing alone has not been the primary driver of Humira’s declining market share. Formulary changes, such as CVS Caremark’s decision to remove Humira from its major national commercial formularies, have been more influential. Starting January 1, 2025, Humira will be removed from the Lowest Net Cost formulary, with adalimumab biosimilars becoming the preferred products[4][5].

Regulatory Approvals and Global Accessibility

Regulatory approvals across multiple countries have expanded Humira’s accessibility. For instance, the FDA approved an efficacy supplement for Humira in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis in 2021, and the European Commission granted marketing authorization for a citrate-free high concentration formulation of Hyrimoz in 2023. These approvals are expected to contribute to the growth of the Humira drug market[3].

Future Market Trends

Several trends are expected to shape the Humira market in the coming years:

Real-World Evidence Generation

The use of real-world evidence to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of Humira and its biosimilars will become more prevalent, influencing treatment decisions and regulatory approvals[3].

Expanded Use in Pediatric Populations

Humira’s approval for use in pediatric patients with conditions like ulcerative colitis is expected to expand its market reach[3].

Shift Towards Self-Administered Medications

There is a growing trend towards self-administered medications, which could impact the market dynamics of Humira and its biosimilars[3].

Value-Based Pricing Models

The adoption of value-based pricing models is likely to affect how Humira and its biosimilars are priced and reimbursed, focusing on cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes[3].

Key Players and Strategic Moves

• AbbVie: Despite the loss of market share, AbbVie has made strategic acquisitions, such as the buyout of Allergan, to offset the impact of Humira’s patent cliff. However, the company is still heavily reliant on Humira’s sales[1][2].
• Biosimilar Manufacturers: Companies like Sandoz, Amgen, and Boehringer Ingelheim are gaining ground with their biosimilar products. These companies are negotiating with health insurers and formulary managers to increase their market share[2][4].

Price Projections

Given the increasing competition from biosimilars and formulary changes, the price of Humira is expected to face downward pressure. Here are some key price projections:

• Biosimilar Discounts: Biosimilars are offering significant discounts, up to 85% below Humira’s list price. This pricing strategy is expected to continue, making biosimilars more attractive to payers and patients[4].
• Formulary Impact: The removal of Humira from major formularies and its replacement with biosimilars will further reduce its pricing power. Starting January 1, 2025, adalimumab biosimilars will be the preferred products on the Lowest Net Cost formulary[5].

Conclusion

Humira, once the undisputed leader in the anti-inflammatory space, is facing significant challenges from biosimilars. While it will still retain substantial sales in 2025, its market share and pricing power are expected to decline. The market will be shaped by regulatory approvals, formulary changes, and the adoption of value-based pricing models.

Key Takeaways

• Declining Market Share: Humira’s market share is decreasing due to the entry of biosimilars.
• Formulary Changes: Humira will be removed from major formularies in favor of biosimilars starting January 1, 2025.
• Pricing Pressure: Biosimilars are offering deep discounts, leading to downward price pressure on Humira.
• Regulatory Approvals: Broad regulatory approvals will continue to expand Humira’s accessibility globally.
• Future Trends: Real-world evidence, expanded pediatric use, self-administered medications, and value-based pricing will shape the market.

FAQs

Q: What is the current market position of Humira?

Humira remains one of the top-selling drugs globally but is losing market share to biosimilars.

Q: Which biosimilars are gaining traction against Humira?

Biosimilars such as Sandoz’s Hyrimoz, Amgen’s Amjevita, and Boehringer Ingelheim’s Cyltezo are gaining significant market share.

Q: What are the key factors driving Humira’s declining market share?

Formulary changes and the aggressive pricing strategy of biosimilars are key drivers.

Q: How will regulatory approvals impact the Humira market?

Regulatory approvals across multiple countries will expand Humira’s accessibility and contribute to its market growth.

Q: What are the future trends expected to shape the Humira market?

Real-world evidence generation, expanded use in pediatric populations, shift towards self-administered medications, and value-based pricing models are expected to shape the market.

Sources

1. FiercePharma: "Merck, BMS, AbbVie blockbusters will rule pharma sales in 2025"
2. BioSpace: "Biosimilar Sales Up as Insurers Begin Dropping Humira Coverage"
3. The Business Research Company: "Humira Drug Market Forecast Report 2024, Industry Size, 2033"
4. BioSpace: "AbbVie's Humira Continues to Lose Market Share as Biosimilars Gain Ground"
5. PAI: "Pharmacy Update: Humira Biosimilars Strategy for Lowest Net Cost Formulary Effective Jan. 1, 2025"