Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:REGN) and Sanofi SA (ADR) (NYSE:SNY) disclosed that UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) would offer preferred access to its Praluent Injection. The two companies said that United will do it through OptumRX, as well as, its UnitedHealthcare for Managed Medicaid, Medicare, and Commercial patients. The decision would provide access to flexible dosing on formularies since it was the only PCSK9 inhibitor that is presently available in two doses. That enables the healthcare service provider to mend the dose depending on the patient’s LDL cholesterol lowering requirements.
100 Million Patients To Have Access
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:REGN) said that Praluent was the only PCSK9 inhibitor that was preferred by UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH). As a result, over 100 million patients would have access to Praluent with flexible dosing in the United States. Also, Praluent was suggested as an addition to diet, as well as, optimizing tolerated statin therapy for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) treatment among the adults. Alternatively, it was also for those clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) as they needed more lowering of LDL cholesterol.
The companies stated that ASCVD was described as a climax of the arteries plaque that could direct to lower blood flow besides other conditions like stroke, heart attack, and peripheral artery disease and chest pain. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:REGN) and Sanofi SA (ADR) (NYSE:SNY) said that Praluent effect on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity was not decided.
Patients Face Challenges In Meeting LDL Cholesterol Levels
Significantly, a number of patients face the tough task of meeting the LDL cholesterol levels suggested by the healthcare service providers in the United States. That was despite providing treatment with standard care that included statins. Sanofi SA (ADR) (NYSE:SNY)’s President for North America Pharmaceuticals, Jez Moulding, said that Praluent was a key innovation for patients with the biggest unmet requirements as they may gain further from reducing their LDL cholesterol. He also said that he would continue to collaborate with other insurers to ensure that patients get access to Praluent.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:REGN)’s SVP, Commercial, Robert Terifay, said that Praluent is available in 75 mg, as well as, 150 mg doses that would be liked by UnitedHealth formularies.