Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Partner with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company to Expand Access to Eliquis® (apixaban)
The longstanding alliance between Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer has announced a notable expansion of its patient access strategy through a new collaboration with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. This initiative will make Eliquis® (apixaban), one of the most widely prescribed oral anticoagulants in the United States, available for direct purchase through CostPlusDrugs.com, offering patients a more transparent and potentially lower-cost pathway to access this essential medication.
The move represents a significant step in addressing one of the most persistent challenges in the U.S. healthcare system: the affordability and accessibility of prescription drugs. By partnering with Cost Plus Drugs, the Bristol Myers Squibb–Pfizer Alliance is embracing a direct-to-patient distribution model that bypasses some of the traditional intermediaries that often contribute to higher drug prices. This collaboration aligns with broader industry efforts to improve pricing transparency and empower patients to better understand and manage their healthcare expenses.
Eliquis, known generically as apixaban, has become a cornerstone therapy in the prevention and treatment of blood clots. Its inclusion on the Cost Plus Drugs platform marks one of the largest and most high-profile brand-name medications to be offered through this increasingly popular online pharmacy model. The platform, founded with a mission to disrupt conventional pharmaceutical pricing structures, enables patients to purchase medications at a price that reflects manufacturing costs plus a transparent markup, rather than navigating the often opaque pricing systems associated with insurance and pharmacy benefit managers.
Beginning April 27, 2026, patients with a valid prescription will be able to purchase a 30-day supply of Eliquis for a total cost of $345 through Cost Plus Drugs. This pricing structure provides an alternative for cash-paying patients, particularly those who may be uninsured, underinsured, or facing high out-of-pocket costs through traditional insurance channels. The initiative complements earlier efforts by the alliance to expand access, including the 2025 launch of Eliquis 360 Support, a patient resource hub accessible via Bristol Myers Squibb’s Patient Connect program.
Executives from both organizations have emphasized that the collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to improving patient access and reducing financial barriers. Adam Lenkowsky, Chief Commercial Officer at Bristol Myers Squibb, highlighted the importance of expanding direct-to-patient options for a medication relied upon by millions of Americans daily. He noted that the partnership with Cost Plus Drugs reflects a broader effort to provide meaningful solutions that address affordability challenges while ensuring that patients can obtain the therapies they need without unnecessary complexity.
Mark Cuban, co-founder of Cost Plus Drugs, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of pricing transparency in healthcare. He pointed out that many patients struggle with uncertainty حول the cost of their medications, which can lead to delays in treatment or non-adherence. By offering Eliquis through a simplified pricing model, the collaboration aims to give patients greater control and predictability over their prescription expenses.
Eliquis plays a critical role in the management of several serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic conditions. It is widely prescribed for patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem, where it helps reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism. AFib is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias and is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke due to the formation of blood clots in the heart that can travel to the brain.
In addition to stroke prevention in AFib, Eliquis is also indicated for the treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), as well as for reducing the risk of recurrence of these conditions. DVT involves the formation of blood clots in the deep veins, typically in the legs, while PE occurs when a clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, potentially causing life-threatening complications. Furthermore, Eliquis is used as a preventive therapy in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery, where the risk of postoperative blood clots is elevated.
The clinical and economic impact of Eliquis has been substantial. According to estimates, for every 100,000 patients treated with the medication, approximately $3 billion in total healthcare costs can be saved or avoided. These savings are largely attributed to reductions in hospitalizations, emergency care, and long-term rehabilitation associated with stroke and thromboembolic events. By preventing these serious complications, Eliquis not only improves patient outcomes but also alleviates the broader financial burden on the healthcare system.
Despite its clinical benefits, access to Eliquis has historically been influenced by factors such as insurance coverage, copay structures, and formulary placement. The introduction of a direct purchase option عبر Cost Plus Drugs provides an additional avenue for patients who may face challenges navigating these traditional pathways. It also reflects a growing trend نحو alternative distribution models that prioritize patient-centric solutions.
As with any anticoagulant therapy, the use of Eliquis is associated with important safety considerations. The medication works by inhibiting specific clotting factors in the blood, thereby reducing the likelihood of clot formation. However, this mechanism also increases the risk of bleeding, which can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening. Patients are advised not to discontinue Eliquis without consulting their healthcare provider, as stopping the medication abruptly can increase the risk of stroke, particularly in individuals with atrial fibrillation.
Healthcare providers may recommend temporarily discontinuing Eliquis prior to surgical or invasive procedures to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. During such periods, alternative anticoagulation strategies may be employed to maintain protection against clot formation. Patients taking Eliquis should also be cautious when using other medications that can increase bleeding risk, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and other anticoagulants.
Common side effects associated with Eliquis include easy bruising and prolonged bleeding times. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as unusual bleeding, blood in urine or stools, severe headaches, dizziness, or unexplained swelling and pain. Additionally, there is a known risk of spinal or epidural hematomas in patients undergoing spinal procedures while on anticoagulant therapy, which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis if not promptly addressed.
Eliquis is not recommended for certain patient populations, including those with artificial heart valves or specific clotting disorders such as antiphospholipid syndrome. Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to the medication or its components should also avoid its use. Before initiating therapy, individuals should inform their healthcare provider of any underlying medical conditions, including kidney or liver disease, as well as any medications, supplements, or herbal products they are taking.
Special considerations apply to pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. The use of Eliquis during pregnancy may increase the risk of bleeding for both the mother and the unborn child, and breastfeeding is generally not recommended أثناء treatment. Women of childbearing potential are encouraged to discuss pregnancy planning and potential risks with their healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Adherence to prescribed dosing is critical for achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes with Eliquis. The medication is typically taken twice daily, and patients are advised to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Missing doses or discontinuing treatment prematurely can compromise its effectiveness and increase the risk of adverse events.
The collaboration between Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, and Cost Plus Drugs reflects a broader تحول in the pharmaceutical industry نحو more patient-centric models of care. By leveraging innovative distribution channels and prioritizing transparency, the alliance aims to address longstanding challenges in drug affordability and access. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, such partnerships may serve as a blueprint for future initiatives aimed at improving the delivery of essential medicines.
Ultimately, the availability of Eliquis through Cost Plus Drugs represents more than just a new purchasing option; it signals a shift in how pharmaceutical companies and healthcare innovators are working together to meet the needs of patients. For millions of individuals who rely on anticoagulant therapy to manage serious health conditions, this collaboration offers a promising step toward more accessible, affordable, and transparent care.
About Bristol Myers Squibb: Transforming Patients’ Lives Through Science
At Bristol Myers Squibb, our mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. We are pursuing bold science to define what’s possible for the future of medicine and the patients we serve. For more information, visit us at BMS.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time.
Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on X at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.
About the Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Collaboration
The Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance (the Alliance) is committed to driving education and awareness about atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). With long-standing cardiovascular leadership, global scale and expertise in this field, the Alliance strives to implement global, research-driven approaches to illuminate and address the unmet needs around strokes related to non-valvular atrial fibrillation, which are often fatal or debilitating. Through collaborations with non-profit organizations, the Alliance aims to provide patients, healthcare professionals and decision makers with the information they need to understand and take appropriate action on risk factors associated with stroke and other cardiovascular conditions.
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