Celltrion said Tuesday that U.S. retailer Costco has begun selling its Humira biosimilar Yuflyma Low WAC (adalimumab).

Earlier this month, Celltrion completed enrollment of the low wholesale acquisition cost (Low WAC) version of Yuflyma in the Costco Membership Prescription Program (CMPP), allowing the uninsured to purchase Yuflyma at a discounted price at Costco stores and partner pharmacies.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of the first quarter of 2024, there were about 27.1 million uninsured Americans. These individuals have had difficulty accessing expensive treatments, but now Costco members can purchase Yufluma at 85 percent off the original price with additional discounts.

Costco has more than 133 million members worldwide and operates more than 600 stores in the U.S. alone. Celltrion emphasized that adding Yuflyma to Costco represents a key distribution channel in the U.S. and will significantly improve access to treatment for uninsured patients.

In January last year, Celltrion introduced a dual pricing strategy in the U.S. with the launch of a High WAC version of Yuflyma at a 5 percent discount to the original product and a Low WAC version at an 85 percent discount this past May. This pricing strategy reflects the needs of different stakeholders in the U.S. market, according to the company.

Yuflyma's original product, Humira, is expected to generate about $14.4 billion (19.74 trillion won) in sales in 2023, with about $12.1 billion (16.59 trillion won) in the U.S. market.

"This collaboration with Costco will make Yuflyma more accessible, expanding patients' treatment options and lowering healthcare costs," said Thomas Nusbickel, chief commercial officer of Celltrion U.S. "Celltrion is committed to continuing to bring affordable biologics to the U.S. market."