The 2025 Top List of Outpatient Prescription Drugs was revised on August 22, 2025 to remove three drugs that were included due to rounding in the calculation that moved such drugs to the 16.0% cumulative WAC increase threshold for inclusion. Each of the three drugs had WAC increases greater than 15.99% but less than the statutory 16% threshold for inclusion. Please see the revised report.
(Hartford, CT) - Humira®, Skyrizi® and Rinvoq®, immunosuppressants manufactured by Abbvie, Inc., led the annual Top Outpatient Prescription Drug summary report and list published by the Office of Health Strategy (OHS) today. Each year, OHS publishes a list of drugs that meet the criteria established by Conn Gen. Statute § 19a-754b (d). The drugs included in the list:
- are provided at substantial cost to the state and/or are critical to public health
- are expensive for a course of treatment; and
- have seen a high price increase.
The analysis reviewed outpatient prescription drug prices as of January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023. This year’s list includes seven drugs that account for more than $555 million in commercial, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage spending (data does not include drug rebates). Humira®, Skyrizi® and Rinvoq®, all manufactured by AbbVie, account for 96% of the total spending and 95% of total utilization included in the report.
“Prescription drug prices, and the significant increases we see in the prices for certain drugs, make it more difficult for Connecticut residents to afford the healthcare they need,” said Amy Porter, acting commissioner. “The focus on prescription drug access and affordability during the legislative session this year is an important step forward in addressing this issue.”
Most of the drugs included in this year’s list are considered specialty drugs and target serious or chronic autoimmune or neurological conditions or treat cancer. They are high-cost, complex medications that often require special handling, administration or monitoring.
The statute requires that the outpatient prescription drug list prepared annually by OHS must include drugs:
- from different therapeutic classes
- with a wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) that 1) increased by not less than 16% cumulatively during the immediately preceding two calendar years and 2) was not less than $40 for a course of treatment
The report can include up to ten drugs each year.
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