BMS Expands Patient Options With Direct-to-Patient Platform

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has announced an expansion of its direct-to-patient pricing initiatives for select therapies in the United States. Beginning January 2026, deucravacitinib (Sotyktu), an oral tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor indicated for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, will be offered through the company’s Patient Connect platform at a price reduction exceeding 80% relative to list price. This development follows the recent launch of a similar program for apixaban (Eliquis), a direct oral anticoagulant co-marketed with Pfizer. The program aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible cash-pay patients and may have implications for access, affordability, and treatment adherence.^1-2

Background

Medication affordability continues to be a major barrier to adherence in the US health care system, particularly among patients without comprehensive insurance coverage. While manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs and copay support initiatives exist, they are often limited by eligibility criteria and administrative complexity. Direct-to-patient distribution models represent a growing strategy by pharmaceutical companies to improve transparency and accessibility while maintaining supply chain integrity.

BMS Patient Connect is the company’s newly established platform designed to enable direct ordering of prescription therapies at discounted cash prices, with home delivery available nationwide, including Puerto Rico. The platform also provides patient support services and is positioned for future inclusion of additional BMS products.

Deucravacitinib

Deucravacitinib is an oral, once-daily selective TYK2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Unlike Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, deucravacitinib binds to the regulatory domain of TYK2, providing allosteric inhibition and improved selectivity.

Clinical trials have demonstrated superiority of deucravacitinib over placebo and apremilast in achieving Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response rates at week 16, with a favorable tolerability profile. Common adverse events include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and acne; laboratory monitoring requirements are less stringent compared to traditional systemic immunosuppressants.

The decision by BMS to offer deucravacitinib at a reduced direct-to-patient price may expand access to this first-in-class agent, particularly for patients unable to afford biologic therapies or those preferring oral treatment modalities.

Apixaban

Apixaban is an oral, reversible, direct factor Xa inhibitor indicated for multiple thromboembolic conditions, including:

• Reduction of stroke and systemic embolism risk in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
• Treatment and secondary prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Prophylaxis of DVT and PE following hip or knee arthroplasty

Pediatric approval extends to venous thromboembolism treatment after initial parenteral anticoagulation, excluding children <2.6 kg.

The principal safety concern with apixaban, as with all anticoagulants, is bleeding risk. No routine laboratory monitoring is required, but clinicians must consider drug-drug interactions (notably with strong CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibitors/inducers) and renal function in prescribing.

Through the Bristol Myers Squibb–Pfizer Alliance, apixaban is now offered at a reduced cash-pay price via the direct-to-patient model.

Clinical Implications

The expansion of direct-to-patient pricing programs reflects a shift toward alternative access strategies in the pharmaceutical marketplace. For clinicians, the availability of deucravacitinib and apixaban at reduced direct-purchase prices may be relevant when treating patients who:

• Lack adequate insurance coverage,
• Are subject to high-deductible plans or copay burdens, or
• Prefer direct, predictable pricing for medication access.

While these programs may enhance affordability and adherence for certain populations, clinicians should remain mindful that they do not replace the need for comprehensive insurance coverage, nor do they eliminate the financial and systemic barriers affecting many patients.

Conclusion

BMS’s initiative to provide steeply discounted cash pricing for deucravacitinib and apixaban represents an effort to expand access to innovative therapies in the US health care market. For clinicians, awareness of these programs may inform treatment discussions with patients facing cost-related barriers, particularly in dermatology and cardiology/thrombosis care. Further evaluation will be needed to determine patient uptake, clinical outcomes, and whether similar models will be adopted more broadly across the pharmaceutical industry.

References

1. Bristol Myers Squibb Builds on Eliquis (apixaban) Direct-to-Patient Program, Announces New BMS Patient Connect Platform Offering Sotyktu (deucravacitinib). News release. Bristol Myers Squibb. Published September 25, 2025. Accessed September 25, 2025. https://news.bms.com/news/corporate-financial/2025/Bristol-Myers-Squibb-Builds-on-Eliquis-apixaban-Direct-to-Patient-Program-Announces-New-BMS-Patient-Connect-Platform-Offering-Sotyktu-deucravacitinib/default.aspx
2. Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Announce Direct-to-Patient Eliquis (apixaban) Option. News release. Bristol Myers Squibb. Published July 17, 2025. Accessed September 25, 2025. https://news.bms.com/news/details/2025/Bristol-Myers-Squibb-and-Pfizer-Announce-Direct-to-Patient-Eliquis-apixaban-Option/default.aspx