New report on PBM exclusions of generics and biosimilars

A new report has drawn attention to the growing number of prescription drugs being excluded from commercial insurance formularies in the USA - particularly affordable generics and biosimilars - raising fresh concerns over patient access and out-of-pocket costs.

The report, published by drug distributor Cencora (NYSE: COR), found that the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have increased their formulary exclusions by 1,584% since 2014. On average, that amounts to a 27% increase in exclusions each year. Generics and biosimilars have become a growing target, despite offering lower-cost alternatives to brand-name drugs.