More Affordable Evolocumab Device Options Now Available

All evolocumab (Repatha, Amgen) device options, including the Pre-Filled Syringe and Pushtronex® are now available at a lower list price of $5,850. The lower priced Repatha options are identical to the Repatha options currently available, but have been introduced to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients, especially Medicare patients, according to a statement from Amgen officials.

Evolocumab is a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Repatha binds to PCSK9 and inhibits circulating PCSK9 from binding to the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR), preventing PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation and permitting LDLR to recycle back to the liver cell surface. By inhibiting the binding of PCSK9 to LDLR, the increases the number of LDLRs available to clear LDL from the blood, thereby lowering LDL-C levels.

"As of today, 80% of current Repatha Medicare patients have access to Repatha at the new lower list price through their plans. Additionally, more patients can now fill a Repatha prescription at a retail pharmacy because a number of large payers are reclassifying Repatha as a non-specialty therapy," Murdo Gordon, executive vice president of Global Commercial Operations at Amgen said in a prepared statement about the announcement.

The most commonly used delivery system, the Repatha SureClick® autoinjector, was made available at the lower list price of $5,850 on Oct. 24, 2018. The Pushtronex system is a hands-free device that provides 420 mg of Repatha once monthly in a single dose. The device adheres to the body during administration. Patients are able to perform moderate physical activities (such as walking, reaching or bending) as the 420 mg of Repatha is delivered subcutaneously. The prefilled syringe and SureClick are administered once every two weeks.

Patients or physicians who need help understanding these changes can contact RepathaReady® (1-844-REPATHA). The RepathaReady program provides a comprehensive suite of services to help patients and providers, including a Repatha $5 co-pay card for eligible commercially insured patients, insurance coverage support and injection support. Amgen also provides patient assistance for its medicines marketed in the United States in a variety of ways, including free medicines through the Amgen Safety Net Foundation for qualifying individuals with no or limited drug coverage.

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s article was originally published onPharmacyTimes.com.