Brand Manufacturer Coupons and Pharmaceutical Product Hopping

In an analysis of over 380,000 prescription claims for 47 biologic products, manufacturer coupon use for biologic line extension products increased by 19% relative to comparators as the originator products approached 12 years after market approval when market exclusivity protections began to expire. Among products with older originators, coupons for product hops offset nearly 40% more of patient cost-sharing than comparators, suggesting manufacturers may use coupon programs strategically to facilitate product hopping and dampen biosimilar competition.