Cigna Healthcare Adds Accord BioPharma's IMULDOSA Biosimilar to Preferred Coverage Plans

Key Takeaways

• Cigna Healthcare added IMULDOSA (ustekinumab-srlf) to preferred coverage under commercial plans effective April 15, 2026
• Prefilled syringes are preferred under pharmacy benefit while vials are preferred under medical benefit coverage
• The biosimilar provides patients with a potentially more affordable alternative to STELARA for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

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Accord BioPharma announced that Cigna Healthcare has added IMULDOSA® (ustekinumab-srlf) to its preferred coverage under commercial health plans, effective April 15, 2026.

The Raleigh, North Carolina-based company, which operates as the U.S. specialty division of Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., confirmed that the biosimilar will be covered with different preferences based on formulation. Prefilled syringes (PFS) receive preferred status under pharmacy benefits, while vials are preferred under medical benefits.

About IMULDOSA Biosimilar

IMULDOSA serves as a biosimilar alternative to STELARA® (ustekinumab), approved for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The addition to Cigna’s formulary represents a significant step in expanding patient access to this immunology treatment option.

Accord BioPharma specializes in developing oncology and immunology therapies, positioning itself as a key player in the biosimilar market. The company’s focus on specialty therapeutics aligns with growing demand for cost-effective alternatives to branded biologics.

Market Impact and Patient Access

The inclusion of IMULDOSA in Cigna’s preferred coverage could significantly impact treatment accessibility for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Biosimilars typically offer cost savings compared to reference products, potentially reducing both patient out-of-pocket expenses and overall healthcare costs.

Cigna Healthcare’s decision to differentiate coverage preferences between formulations reflects the insurer’s strategy to optimize both patient convenience and cost management. The pharmacy benefit preference for prefilled syringes may encourage patient self-administration, while medical benefit preference for vials supports clinical administration settings.

This coverage expansion comes as the biosimilar market continues growing, with healthcare payers increasingly recognizing these products as viable alternatives to expensive branded biologics. For Accord BioPharma, securing preferred status with a major insurer like Cigna represents a competitive advantage in the crowded immunology therapeutics space.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this mean for patients taking STELARA?

Patients covered by Cigna Healthcare commercial plans now have access to IMULDOSA as a preferred biosimilar alternative to STELARA, potentially reducing their out-of-pocket costs for psoriasis treatment.

When did the Cigna coverage for IMULDOSA become effective?

The preferred coverage for IMULDOSA under Cigna Healthcare commercial plans became effective on April 15, 2026.

How does IMULDOSA compare to STELARA?

IMULDOSA is a biosimilar to STELARA (ustekinumab), meaning it has demonstrated similar safety and efficacy for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis while typically offering cost advantages.