Both GSK and Mylan have announced the availability of generic versions of GSK’s Advair Diskus fluticasone propionate/salmeterol DPI in the US. GSK made a statement regarding its authorized generic on February 8, 2019, and Mylan has responded by announcing the US launch of the Wixela Inhub fluticasone propionate/salmeterol DPI, which was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of asthma and COPD, at deeply discounted prices.
According to Mylan the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for all three strengths of Wixela Inhub will be 70% less than Advair Diskus and 67% less than the GSK authorized generic, though a footnote to Mylan’s announcement makes clear that, “The WAC does not necessarily reflect the price paid by consumers, pharmacies, or third-party payers.”
Mylan said that the WAC for the 500 mcg/50 mcg strength is $153.14; for the 250 mcg/50 mcg strength it is $116.44; and for the 100 mcg/50 mcg strength, the WAC is $93.71.
According to GSK, its generic Advair Diskus will be distributed by Prasco LLC. The company said, “GSK supports the availability of high quality generic drugs that have met regulatory requirements, and in which the public can have confidence after the branded product loses exclusivity. Our goal is to ensure that patients continue to have access to the medicines in Advair, in the Diskus device that is familiar to them either in branded or generic form.”
Mylan Chief Commercial Officer Tony Mauro said, “We’ve had numerous discussions with customers about the need for a unique launch strategy for the first substitutable generic of Advair Diskus that increases affordability to all in our healthcare system. We trust that by launching Wixela Inhub at a significantly discounted list price, we will demonstrate the savings that generics can deliver for patients through reduced out-of-pocket costs, as well as the US healthcare system overall.”
Read the GSK statement.
Read the Mylan press release.
