Brand Manufacturer Coupons and Pharmaceutical Product Hopping

Are manufacturer copay coupon programs associated with product hopping among biologic drugs nearing exclusivity loss?In this cross-sectional study of 382 550 prescription claims for 47 biologic products, coupon use for biologic line extensions diverged significantly from biologics with earlier approval as originators approached 12 years on the market. Among products with older originators, biologic line extensions had more generous coupon programs: coupons offset more of patient cost-sharing,− and postbuydown costs were lower than biologics with earlier approval.These findings suggest that manufacturer coupons were associated with product hopping during periods of expected biosimilar entry, suggesting that monitoring coupon activity may help identify potential anticompetitive behavior.

Corresponding Author: Jason B. Gibbons, PhD, Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120 (Jbgibbons@bwh.harvard.edu).

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