Cigna’s Two New Value-Based Contracts with Pharma for PCSK9 Inhibitor Cholesterol Drugs Tie Financial Terms to Improved Customer Health

BLOOMFIELD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cigna (NYSE: CI) has entered into new value-based contracts with both
Amgen and Sanofi/Regeneron for their PCSK9 inhibitors for commercial
business. The contracts modify the cost of the new cholesterol-lowering
drugs Repatha
^TM and Praluent^®
based on how well customers respond to the medications, aligning
incentives by linking financial terms to improved customer health.
Praluent and Repatha were approved last year by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration as the first two specialty drugs in a new class known as
PCSK9 inhibitors. They are intended for certain individuals at high risk
for cardiovascular diseases who aren’t able to adequately control their
“bad cholesterol” (LDL-C) levels through other treatments, such as
dietary changes and their highest tolerated dose of a statin.
Cigna is the first health service company to reach value-based
agreements for its commercial business with both Sanofi/Regeneron and
Amgen for their PCSK9 inhibitor drugs. The contracts are independent of
each other, but they share the same overall objective. If Cigna’s
customers aren’t able to reduce their LDL-C levels at least as well as
what was experienced in clinical trials, the two pharmaceutical
companies will further discount the cost of the drugs. If the drugs meet
or exceed expected LDL-C reduction, the original negotiated price
remains in place.
“Pharmaceutical advances hold great promise for improving the health of
Cigna’s customers, and outcomes-based agreements help ensure that this
promise is delivered,” said Christopher Bradbury, senior vice president,
integrated clinical and specialty drug solutions for Cigna Pharmacy
Management. “Innovating through the contracting approach is one way we
are helping our customers and clients receive more value for their
health care dollar.”
Also, by analyzing integrated medical and pharmacy claim data, Cigna
will be able to determine whether there are cardiovascular improvements
for Cigna customers related to their treatment with the new medications
beyond reduction in their cholesterol levels.
Including the agreements with Sanofi/Regeneron and Amgen, Cigna now has
value-based contracts in place with pharmaceutical companies covering
medications for cholesterol, heart failure, diabetes, multiple
sclerosis, and hepatitis C.
Customer engagement is also a critical factor impacting health and
financial outcomes. Cigna, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit
managers and specialty pharmacies, provides customers with extensive
clinical and health coaching support across their pharmacy, medical,
behavioral and disability benefits.
Cardiovascular disease is a major driver of total health care costs.
According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of adults in
the United States has high cholesterol and is at elevated risk for
developing heart disease. Fewer than one in three individuals with high
cholesterol has the condition under control.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company
dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense
of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or
through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including
Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life
Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna
Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include
an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental,
behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other
related products including group life, accident and disability
insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and
jurisdictions, and has more than 90 million customer relationships
throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to
follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.