Biocon Biologics bags multiple market access for its biosimilar drug Yesintek
Biocon Biologics Achieves Major Market Access for Yesintek Biosimilar in US Healthcare
Published: May 5, 2025 | Updated: Latest pharmaceutical market access news
Biocon Biologics, a leading biosimilars company and subsidiary of Biocon Ltd, has achieved a significant milestone in the US healthcare market. The company has secured multiple market access agreements for Yesintek, its biosimilar to Stelara, marking a major breakthrough in providing affordable treatment options for patients suffering from chronic autoimmune diseases.
Major Market Access Achievements
- Express Scripts – Added to National Preferred Formulary (NPF) effective March 21, 2025
- Cigna – Added to commercial formulary beginning March 21, 2025
- UnitedHealthcare – Added to multiple formularies including commercial (May 1, 2025), managed Medicaid (March 1, 2025), and Medicare (June 1, 2025)
- CVS Health and Optum Rx – Added beginning July 1, 2025
Expanding Healthcare Coverage
The market access agreements secured by Biocon Biologics represent a significant achievement in healthcare accessibility, covering over 100 million lives in the United States. This extensive coverage includes major healthcare providers and regional health plans, demonstrating the industry’s confidence in Yesintek’s efficacy and reliability.
Additional Market Access
Beyond the major healthcare providers, Yesintek has been selected by several other significant players in the healthcare industry, including Navitus, Costco Health Solutions, MedImpact, Priority Health, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). The biosimilar has also been chosen as the exclusive Ustekinumab option by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and Florida Healthcare Plan.
Impact on Patient Care
Yesintek’s extensive market access represents a significant step forward in making high-quality, affordable biosimilar treatments available to patients managing chronic conditions. The drug is approved for treating various autoimmune diseases, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Company Leadership Perspective
Shreehas Tambe, CEO & Managing Director of Biocon Biologics Ltd, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “The strong adoption of Yesintek by payors in the U.S. reflects their confidence in our science, supply reliability, and commercial capability. The listing of Yesintek on multiple formularies is another validation that payors in the US are committed to broaden access to affordable treatment options.”
Market Coverage and Future Outlook
According to Josh Salsi, Head of North America at Biocon Biologics Inc., the current market coverage is substantial: “More than 100 million Americans — representing 70 per cent – 80 per cent of the commercial market — are now covered for Yesintek through commercial formularies. This marks a significant step forward in bringing high-quality, affordable biosimilars to patients managing chronic conditions.”
Biocon Biologics continues to expand its presence in the global pharmaceutical market, with eight biosimilars already commercialized across the US, Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan. The company maintains a robust pipeline of 12 biosimilar assets under development, covering various therapeutic areas including diabetology, oncology, immunology, and ophthalmology.
As of May 5, 2025, Biocon’s stock performance reflected the market’s positive response to these developments, with shares trading at ₹333.55, showing a 14.6 per cent increase.
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