Fail first requirements for 2020 also target drugs for myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, building on the step therapy program launched by Humana in 2019.

Administration under the medical benefit/Medicare Part B could mean easier reimbursement. The company outlined early plans for the launch of inclisiran after announcing it will buy The Medicines Company for $9.7bn.

HHS Secretary Alex Azar says that reshaping Administration’s upcoming proposed rule would drive Medicare Part B drug prices even lower than previously projected. As Part B drug costs are being blamed for higher premiums, the policy revisions are at OMB, but plan would reemerge as "a notice of proposed rulemaking if that comes out,” Azar said.