Amgen makes Repatha available direct to US patients

US biotech major Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) is the latest drugmaker to announce direct-to-consumer access of medicines, adding to the first such deal from Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) that was followed by similar arrangements by Novartis (NOVN: VX)and Boehringer and AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) in the last few days.

Amgen today announced the launch of AmgenNow, a new direct-to-patient program starting with Repatha (evolucumab). This follows landmark results demonstrating Repatha significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in individuals without a prior history of heart attack or stroke in the VESALIUS-CV Phase III trial. The drug generated sales of $696 million in the second quarter of this year.

In support of the Trump administration’s efforts to lower drug prices for Americans, Repatha will be available through AmgenNow at a monthly price of $239, nearly 60% lower than the current US list price. The program is open to all patients, including those who are uninsured or in high-deductible health plans or prefer to pay with cash or out of pocket.