Pfizer Launches Epoetin Alfa Biosimilar, Retacrit, at 33.5% Discount to Reference Epogen

Pfizer announced today that it has launched its epoetin alfa biosimilar, Retacrit, at a substantial discount to the reference product, Epogen.

Retacrit, which was approved in the European Union in 2007, just recently received FDA approval in May 2018 for all indications of the reference product as an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent. As of Monday, November 12, 2018, Pfizer announced the first shipment of the biosimilar had been sent to wholesalers in the US.

Retacrit will enter the US market at a wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of $11.03 per 1000 units/mL, which is a 33.5% discount to the WAC of the reference product and a 57.1% discount to the WAC of Procrit.

The introduction of Retacrit into the US market brings the total number of available biosimilars to 6, while 14 are FDA-approved and delayed in entry due to patent litigation. For Pfizer specifically, this market launch marks their third biosimilar available.

“We are delighted to introduce our third biosimilar in the United States,” said John P. Kennedy, general manager, US Biosimilars, Pfizer Essential Health. “Pfizer is committed to fostering a sustainable marketplace for biosimilars and advocates for policies that bring these important medicines to patients and physicians as quickly as possible.”