CivicaScript, a nonprofit company dedicated to bringing low-cost generic medicines to U.S. patients, announced the availability of dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules for multiple sclerosis treatment. The generic medication is indicated for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease.
Significant Cost Savings for Patients
CivicaScript will offer dimethyl fumarate 240 mg capsules to pharmacies for $47 per bottle of 60 capsules, typically representing a month's supply. The company recommends that pharmacies charge patients no more than $68 per bottle under their maximum retail price (MaxRP) policy.
The pricing structure delivers substantial savings compared to existing options. CivicaScript's MaxRP for dimethyl fumarate is approximately $4,300 per month less than the average claim cost for prescriptions filled at traditional PBM-affiliated pharmacies. These savings could significantly reduce patients' out-of-pocket costs during the deductible phase of their health insurance, when patients pay full price for their medicines. The cost reduction could also be substantial for patients with co-insurance, which charges them a percentage of their medicines' price.
Transparency and Accessibility Focus
CivicaScript's MaxRP policy provides a mechanism for healthcare providers, caregivers, patients and others to compare prices. Consumers can confirm they are being charged no more than the MaxRP by scanning the QR code featured on the CivicaScript product label. The company will offer both 120 mg and 240 mg strengths of dimethyl fumarate capsules.
"Today's launch is yet another step in our journey to make necessary medications more affordable for the patients who need them," said CivicaScript President Brent J. Eberle. "We're bringing transparency and affordability to the generic drug market in a sustainable way – saving money for patients and payers and making medicines more accessible."
Proven Track Record of Success
This launch follows CivicaScript's recent success with abiraterone, as reported in The New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst. The report showed that CivicaScript's abiraterone saved consumers 64% and payers 92% when they switched from other versions of the same drug. The dimethyl fumarate launch represents CivicaScript's second generic medication release in three months.
Strategic Selection and Business Model
Dimethyl fumarate was chosen by CivicaScript members as a priority generic medicine based on its high list price from other manufacturers and significant patient need for the product. The selection addresses a critical issue in the generic drug market, where some high-cost generics are more expensive than necessary.
CivicaScript partners with manufacturers to produce low-cost generic medicines, then works with payers and pharmacies across the country to pass along cost savings to patients. The company's business model focuses on transparency and collaboration throughout the value chain from manufacturing through dispensing, with every stakeholder knowing the price of the medicine and driving savings through to the patient.
Addressing Medication Access Barriers
The launch addresses a significant healthcare access issue. Numerous studies confirm that medication costs can dictate whether patients ration their prescriptions or even fill them in the first place. CivicaScript's approach aims to eliminate these barriers by making quality generic medicines affordable and available for everyone.
As a nonprofit company, CivicaScript is committed to providing affordable, essential generic medicines to promote the social welfare and health of the community. The organization operates as the Civica, Inc. operating unit for outpatient medications to help drive affordability and price transparency in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
