Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has agreed as part of a deal with the US government to provide Eliquis (apixaban) free of charge to Medicaid. The company has also agreed to donate more than seven tons of Eliquis active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to fill the US Strategic Active Ingredient Reserve.
Eliquis is the most widely prescribed oral blood thinner in the US and more than 15 million people have been prescribed with the drug since it was first launched. It is an important treatment for the prevention of blood clots in patients with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, as well as in reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem.
For every 100,000 patients treated with Eliquis, the drug has resulted in an estimated $3bn in healthcare cost savings, including hospitalisation and extended rehabilitation needs.
BMS also plans to launch new medicines in developed nations using a more balanced pricing approach while also enabling direct-to-patient access for cash-paying patients who take Sotyktu (deucravacitinib), Zeposia (ozanimod), Reyataz (atazanavir), Baraclude (entecavir) and Orencia SC (abatacept). This would make these medicines available at a discount of around 80% compared to current prices.
BMS will also continue to expand production across the US as part of its $40bn investment commitment over the next five years.
BMS will receive three years of tariff relief and will not be subject to future pricing mandates.
Christopher Boerner, board chair and CEO of BMS, said: “We are taking direct action to improve the lives of millions of Americans, ensuring our nation’s most vulnerable have access to this critical medicine at no cost.
“Today’s agreement builds on BMS’ efforts to improve affordability and increase transparency.”