Prime Therapeutics Removes Perforomist from Medicare Formulary

Prime Therapeutics has removed Perforomist (formoterol fumarate) inhalation solution from its Medicare Part D formulary, effective July 15, 2021. Marketed by Viatris, Perforomist is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

The Minnesota-based PBM indicated that it pulled Perforomist off of the Part D formulary because a generic is now available. Teva Pharmaceuticals launched the first generic version of formoterol in June 2021.

Formoterol a long-acting beta2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) used to control the symptoms of COPD in adults. LABA medicines such as formoterol relax airways to prevent COPD symptoms, such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

In 2018, 16.4 million people, or 6.6% of adults, reported a diagnosis of any type of COPD (chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD), according to the American Lung Association. Environmental exposure to tobacco smoke, indoor air pollution, and occupational dusts, fumes, and chemicals are important risk factors for COPD.

Viatris was formed in November 2020 by the combination of Mylan and Pfizer’s Upjohn business.

Perforomist has annual sales of more than $299 million in the United States, according to IQVIA data as of March 2021.