Express Scripts Adds COPD, Asthma Treatments to National Formulary

Several treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma from Boehringer Ingelheim were recently added to the Express Scripts (ESI) Commercial National Preferred Formulary.

The formulary covers over 22 million US lives. The changes took effect May 15, 2020.

The COPD treatments are:

• Tiotropium bromide (Spiriva Respimat) inhalation spray 2.5 mcg
• Tiotropium bromide (Spiriva Handihaler) inhalation powder
• Tiotropium bromide and olodaterol (Stiolto Respimat) inhalation spray

In addition, tiotropium bromide (Spiriva Respimat) inhalation spray 1.25 mcg was added for asthma.

“This important decision will provide people living with asthma and COPD additional options to consider when making treatment decisions with their healthcare providers,” said Chris Marsh, senior vice president, market access at Boehringer Ingelheim, said in a statement. “Not only does this decision reinforce the value and impact of our respiratory portfolio, but it serves as another example of our commitment to ensure our medicines are available to our patients who need them.”

According to the CDC, COPD is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. Almost 15.7 million Americans reported that they have been diagnosed with COPD, but the CDC has said that actual numbers may be higher, because more than 50% of adults with low pulmonary function were not aware that they had COPD.