Drug Spotlight: Yesintek and Selarsdi
YESINTEK (ustekinumab-kfce)
Manufacturer: Biocon
Launch Date: 2/24/2025
SELARSDI (ustekinumab-aekn)
Manufacturer: Alvotech/Teva
Launch Date: 1/2025
YESINTEK & SELARSDI are biosimilars of reference product STELARA (Ustekinumab), which were added to the ClearScript formulary on March 1, 2025. STELARA is a specialty pharmacy drug frequently found in many clients’ top five for plan spend. The advent of these biosimilar products can provide significant plan savings over the reference brand, even after factoring in the rebate discount on STELARA. Effective May 1, 2025, both biosimilars will be interchangeable at point-of-sale without needing a new prescription.
Clinical Profile:
STELARA is a monoclonal antibody, Interleukin-12 & -23 Inhibitor used to treat the following conditions: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Population:
While representing relatively few utilizing members and claims, the gross network cost of a 56-day supply is $27K+, which can disproportionately impact a plan’s overall spend.
Management Strategy:
Both biosimilar products require prior authorization and are co-preferred with the reference brand for at least the first half of 2025. Later in 2025 and beyond, the biosimilars may be preferred for new starts, but existing users may stay on STELARA. STELARA may eventually be excluded in favor of biosimilars, but not in the near future. With interchangeable status beginning May 1, 2025, there is the opportunity to transition members at the pharmacy – please contact your Account Services Team / Clinical Account Executive if interested in such a strategy.
ClearScript will closely monitor developments and offer cost-containment strategies that align with your plan goals. Your ClearScript account team will keep you apprised of opportunities as the market evolves.
Additional Information