CVS Caremark expands biosimilar adoption

CVS Health (CVS) announced updates to its most common commercial template formularies that will expand the use of lower-cost biosimilars across multiple therapeutic categories, including changes effective July 1, 2026, that will prefer interchangeable biosimilars over select reference brands. Effective July 1, 2026, CVS Caremark will implement targeted updates to its most common commercial template formularies to increase adoption of U.S. FDA-approved biosimilars with no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product and, in many cases, designated as interchangeable. As part of these updates, CVS Caremark will transition from Stelara on its most common commercial template formularies to preferring lower-cost, interchangeable biosimilar alternatives- Pyzchiva and Yesintek. With this change, most members will pay $0 out-of-pocket for their therapy. In addition to changes involving Stelara, CVS Caremark is expanding biosimilar coverage across select specialty categories, including treatments for multiple sclerosis and rare blood disorders, such as biosimilar alternatives to therapies like Tysabri and Soliris. These biosimilars meet the same FDA standards for safety, effectiveness, and quality as their reference products and, where applicable, are designated as interchangeable, offering a more affordable option for patients and plan sponsors.