Praluent Cost in 2025: Discounts and Extras
In the realm of prescription medications, brand-name biologic drugs like Praluent often come with a hefty price tag. This is primarily due to factors such as development costs, regulatory requirements, market exclusivity, and pricing strategies. However, it's important to note that, as of August 2025, Praluent does not have an available biosimilar on the market yet [1].
Praluent belongs to the drug class called PCSK9 inhibitors. It requires complex development and extensive clinical trials, leading to high development costs. Biosimilars, on the other hand, benefit from abbreviated regulatory pathways that do not require duplicating all original trials, reducing their development costs [5].
Brand-name biologics often enjoy exclusivity periods enforced by patents, allowing premium pricing without competition. After exclusivity expires, biosimilars can enter and typically price significantly lower to gain market share [1][5]. Manufacturers also price brand biologics based on perceived therapeutic innovation, clinical efficacy, safety, and impact on quality of life. This innovation aspect commands a premium price [3].
The cost of Praluent can vary based on factors such as treatment plan, insurance coverage, pharmacy, and savings programs. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications, and for personalized guidance about cost issues related to Praluent, talking with your doctor or pharmacist is highly recommended [2].
If an individual has insurance, their insurance company may require prior authorization before covering Praluent. Getting a 90-day supply of Praluent, if approved by the insurance company, may reduce costs and trips to the pharmacy [6]. Praluent is a brand-name subcutaneous injection, and it's available only as a biologic drug. It contains the active ingredient alirocumab [4].
In some cases, when a biologic drug's patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create biosimilar versions, potentially leading to lower costs. Unfortunately, as of now, Praluent does not have an approved biosimilar competitor [1].
For those seeking financial support, the My Praluent Copay Card program and the manufacturer's patient assistance program offer assistance [7]. To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out a specific article [2]. To learn about Medicare coverage for drugs, see articles about Medicare prescription drug plans, drug coupons and Medicare, and the Medicare drug list [2].
In conclusion, while brand-name biologics like Praluent can be expensive, there are resources available to help manage costs. It's always a good idea to discuss cost concerns with your healthcare provider and pharmacist. And remember, as we move forward, the potential entry of biosimilars into the market could bring down costs for patients.
[1] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/biosimilars/biosimilar-product-development-and-approval-process [2] https://www.medicare.gov/prescription-drug-coverage/ [3] https://icer-review.org/review/praluent/ [4] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/125554s000lbl.pdf [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6123324/ [6] https://www.medicare.gov/pharmacy/mail-order/ [7] https://www.regeneron.com/patients/praluent/copay-support
- The high cost of Praluent, a drug class known as PCSK9 inhibitors, is a result of its complex development and extensive clinical trials.
- After the exclusivity period of brand-name biologics like Praluent ends, biosimilars can enter the market and typically price significantly lower to gain market share.
- If an individual has Medicare, some plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications, including those for health-and-wellness concerns like high cholesterol and hypertension, which Praluent is often prescribed for.
- In the near future, when a biosimilar competitor for Praluent is available, it could potentially lead to lower costs for patients, especially if they have to manage conditions like anthrax or hypertension that require regular use of expensive drugs.
