HERCESSI™ becomes one of two trastuzumab biosimilars on preferred formulary placement, expanding patient access to more affordable HER2-targeted oncology therapies
RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 5, 2026 -- Accord BioPharma Inc., the specialty division of Intas Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., focused on the development of oncology, immunology, and critical care therapies, announced that Express Scripts, one of the nation's largest pharmacy benefit managers, has added HERCESSI™ (trastuzumab-strf) to preferred status on its largest commercial formularies, including National Preferred Formulary, effective January 1, 2026.
HERCESSI is FDA-approved for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer and HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma and is a biosimilar with no clinically meaningful differences to its reference product, HERCEPTIN® (trastuzumab).1 Please see below for full Indications and Important Safety Information. HERCESSI carries a Boxed Warning for cardiomyopathy, infusion reactions, embryo-fetal toxicity, and pulmonary toxicity.
The preferred placement on Express Scripts' formularies expands access to more affordable HER2-targeted therapy for cancer patients, and underscores Accord BioPharma's commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible oncology treatments.
"Gaining preferred formulary status for HERCESSI reinforces the value biosimilars bring to the healthcare system," said Chrys Kokino, President and CEO of Accord U.S. "Express Scripts' decision to prioritize more affordable HER2-targeted treatment options helps ensure that cost doesn't prevent patients from receiving the cancer care they need."
"This marks our second significant formulary agreement with Express Scripts within the last four months, following the addition of IMULDOSA (ustekinumab-srlf) in September," said Paul Purdy, VP, Head of Market Access at Accord BioPharma. "We're building meaningful partnerships with leading payers to create more accessible pathways to biologic treatments for patients facing cancer and other serious diseases, and we're actively pursuing similar opportunities with additional pharmacy benefit managers across the country."
Eligible patients may access copay assistance for HERCESSI. For more details about the copay program and patient support services, please visit hercessi.com.
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