Merck has announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has adopted biosimilar medicines as a means of increasing biologic medicine options for Veterans using Merck’s biosimilar Renflexis (infliximab-abda). The med was determined to be the lowest priced offer and was awarded a national contract in a deal reportedly worth $117 million. Renflexis is now the infliximab product available on the VA National Formulary.
“We are pleased that VA has chosen to expand access to an important treatment option such as RENFLEXIS for our Veterans who have nobly served this country,” said Patrick Magri, senior vice president, U.S. Hospital & Specialty Business Unit, Merck.
Renflexis was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 2017 as a biosimilar to Remicade (infliximab).
“VA recognizes the value biosimilars bring to the health care system, and the award of this contract is consistent with VA’s goal of providing quality treatment options while optimizing resources in the care of Veterans,” said Dr. Michael Valentino, chief consultant for Pharmacy Benefits Management.
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