Accredo and CVS Caremark Selected by Merck as Limited Distribution Pharmacies for WINREVAIR

Merck announced in March 2024 that the FDA approved sotatercept-csrk (WINREVAIR), for injection, 45mg, 60mg) for the treatment of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, World Health Organization [WHO] Group 1) to increase exercise capacity, improve WHO functional class (FC), and reduce the risk of clinical worsening events.

WINREVAIR was previously granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA. WINREVAIR is the first FDA-approved activin signaling inhibitor therapy for PAH, representing a new class of therapy that works by improving the balance between pro- and anti-proliferative signaling to regulate vascular cell proliferation underlying PAH.

WINREVAIR is given once every three weeks by subcutaneous injection and “may be administered by appropriate patients or caregivers with guidance, training and follow-up from a healthcare provider.”

Merck will charge $14,000 for a vial of WINREVAIR, which is dosed subcutaneously every three weeks, putting its annual cost at $238,000. Based on the label-recommended, weight-based target dose and data gathered from the STELLAR trial, Merck projects that roughly two-thirds of patients will use a single-vial kit with others needed a double-vial package.

Merck initially announced that the therapy will be distributed through specialty pharmacy and selected Accredo and CVS Caremark in April 2024. The selection of Accredo maintains the company’s access to 100% of all FDA-approved medications for PAH treatment.

Merck offers support to patients who are prescribed WINREVAIR, including information about insurance coverage and help for eligible patients with out-of-pocket costs and co-pay assistance options, through the Merck Access Program.

For over 30 years, Accredo has delivered dedicated, first-class care and services for patients with chronic, complex and rare conditions, in close collaboration with prescribers, payers and specialty manufacturers.

Accredo offers highly specialized care through fifteen Therapeutic Resource Centers (TRCs) that guide patients through the complexities of their condition. All of the TRCs are led by specialty-trained pharmacists and nurses who focus on a specific therapeutic class, helping to ensure personalized attention for each and every patient.

As the country’s leading pharmacy benefits manager, CVS Caremark provides connected solutions that effectively control drug spend while improving experiences and outcomes, so people can get and stay healthy.