UnitedHealth Group will use Praluent, one of two new federally approved cholesterol-lowering drugs, in its formularies.

Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals make the PCSK9 inhibitor, which treats patients who have high cholesterol levels but don’t respond to statins. Insurers usually receive discounts for placing drugs on the preferred tier, which drives use. The retail price for Praluent is $14,600 annually, while its competitor, Repatha, costs $14,100. The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, a not-for-profit research group, said the prices for Praluent and Repatha would have to drop by more than 80% to be a good deal for the healthcare system and patients.