Celltrion secures major PBM contract for Zymfentra in US

Celltrion said Zymfentra, its subcutaneous (SC)-form infliximab treatment, has been included in the formulary of one of the top three pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in the U.S. The three largest PBMs in the U.S., which include CVS Health, Express Scripts, and Optum, collectively manage about 80 percent of the market.

Zymfentra, referencing the original drug Remicade, developed by Janssen, is designed to treat a range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, adult Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Unlike the original medication, Zymfentra is administered subcutaneously, simplifying patient compliance.

The drug received FDA approval in October of last year.

While the specific PBM has not been disclosed, as Zymfentra was already part of Express Scripts' formulary since April, this new listing is likely with either CVS Health or Optum.

Celltrion also stressed that it aims to sign an agreement shortly with the remaining top three PBM for the formulary inclusion of Zymfentra.

"This would allow Zymfentra to be listed on the formularies of all three major PBMs," the company said. "Achieving this would provide a strong foundation for the prescription growth of Zymfentra in the largest pharmaceutical market in the world."