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Investing.com -- CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) will not include Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD)’ new HIV prevention drug Yeztugo in its commercial plans for the time being, despite the medication’s proven effectiveness.
CVS, which operates the largest pharmacy benefit manager in the United States, made this decision based on clinical, financial, and regulatory considerations, according to company spokesperson David Whitrap, as reported by Reuters.
The twice-yearly injection, which carries a U.S. list price exceeding $28,000 annually, will also not be covered under CVS’s Affordable Care Act formularies. Whitrap explained that CVS’s ACA preventive program follows recommendations and mandates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Current HIV prevention recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which is supported by HHS, only include three older medications.
A source familiar with the matter indicated that Gilead is still in negotiations with CVS regarding Yeztugo coverage.
Mitchell Warren, executive director of AIDS nonprofit AVAC, called the decision "a grave disappointment and frankly a missed opportunity," adding that it "reflects a price that is too high and a U.S. pharmaceutical pricing structure that is frankly not sustainable."
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