Highmark Signs Outcomes-Based Agreement with AstraZeneca for Symbicort

Highmark has entered into an outcomes-based contract with AstraZeneca for Symbicort. Indicated for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Symbicort helps decrease inflammation and open up the airways in patients' lungs.

This contract marks one of the first outcomes-based agreements involving these chronic lung conditions and will apply to commercial members in Highmark's national and core health insurance markets in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Delaware.

"Highmark is committed to innovative contracting solutions that focus on clinical results and drive patients to products that will encourage better disease management. COPD continues to be one of the top spend therapeutic categories across our membership base," said Ryan Cox, RPh., director of specialty pharmacy strategies at Highmark Inc. "By entering into outcomes-based agreements with pharmaceutical companies, we are helping to ensure that our members have access to products that provide better patient outcomes."

As part of the contract, Highmark will review specific pharmacy and medical criteria to determine if COPD or asthma-related symptoms for Highmark patients who are on Symbicort are in-line with the clinical trial results provided by AstraZeneca.  If Symbicort doesn't perform as expected, AstraZeneca will provide a corresponding rebate.

"As a leader in innovative, value-based agreements, AstraZeneca recognizes the need to evolve towards a greater focus on value and shared accountability for patient outcomes.  We have entered into value-based agreements across our therapeutic areas, and we are proud to stand behind the science of Symbicort in this agreement with Highmark," said Rick R. Suarez, VP, Market Access, AstraZeneca US. "Our goal is to provide affordable access to AstraZeneca medicines for patients and this agreement honors our joint obligation to deliver better patient outcomes."

Healthcare organizations continue to implement value-based agreements and contracts to pay providers and pharmaceutical companies based on the quality of care for the patient instead of the volume of care being delivered or prescribed.

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