koto_feja A U.S. unit of generic drugmaker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries ( NYSE: TEVA ) and Luxembourg-based Alvotech ( NASDAQ: ALVO ) have launched Simlandi, an interchangeable biosimilar version, targeting AbbVie's ( NYSE: ABBV ) blockbuster arthritis therapy, Humira.
The companies announced the drug's U.S. availability Monday evening, months after the FDA approved Simlandi, also known as adalimumab-ryvk, with an interchangeable tag, which allows pharmacists to substitute the high-cost branded version without requiring clinicians.
"We look forward to increasing the availability of cost-effective quality biosimilars in the U.S., as they can be an important contributor to reduced inflationary pressure for healthcare providers and patients," Alvotech's ( ALVO ) commercial chief, Anil Okay, said.
Teva ( TEVA ) and Alvotech ( ALVO ) are in talks with payers to increase accessibility for the drug. The companies plan to launch six other biosimilars by 2027. In April, the FDA approved Selarsdi, an off-patent version developed by the duo targeting Johnson & Johnson's ( JNJ ) plaque psoriasis therapy, Stelara.
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