Express Scripts expands efforts in distribution of big-money gene therapies
Express Scripts, the largest pharmacy benefits management company in the United States with annual revenue of $100 billion, looks like it’s trying to diversify its business offerings. In an interview with Reuters, Steve Miller, chief medical officer of Express Scripts, confirmed the organization is in negotiations with biotechnology companies to exclusively distribute hemophilia therapies.
Express Scripts has begun talks with Biomarin Pharmaceuticals, Spark Therapeutics and Bluebird Bio, which will begin offering genetic therapies in 2019 and 2020—with the treatments expected to cost upward of $1 million per patient per year.
Miller argues any sticker shock from consumers should be put into perspective.
“Even if they charge $1 million, that’s a great deal,” Miller said in an interview with Reuters. “So there are going to be some gene therapies where it is very clear that everyone who has that disease should get it.”
Read more about Express Scripts’ expanding distribution efforts with specialty pharmaceuticals at the link below:
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.