Pharmacy

In yesterday’s pipeline update, Chris Peterson, PharmD, a director in the Emerging Therapeutics department at Express Scripts, reviewed the trend in FDA approvals and noted several of the key therapeutic areas with recent generics.

Increasing costs, loss of drug exclusivity and crowded drug classes have prompted the need for better outcomes data to ensure optimization of payer resources

To help manage costs, the panel noted that managed care organizations could move coverage of the new orals into the pharmacy benefit

When cost hits $2,000 or more, members abandon drugs at a much higher rate

While Medicare will use blunt instruments to institute payment reform, private payers will be more nimble, causing providers to abandon fee-for-service Medicare in favor of Medicare Advantage.

A partnership between Catamaran and Health New England achieved a 30% reduction in 30-day readmissions, presented at Session 216 at AMCP

FDA is slowly implementing draft guidelines for bringing biosimilars to market, while states are enacting laws requiring additional notification and record keeping for the products

More evidence-based treatment sequencing must be put into practice to reduce the number of medications patients use on a trial-and-error basis

Study shows $220 in savings when prescriber and pharmacist are involved

In 2014 and beyond, pharmacy leaders should watch for more oral drugs and more expanded indications of specialty drugs.

Reducing readmissions has clinical and financial benefit, but key challenges must be addressed

Payment changes will save an estimated $200 million annually.

Coverage of circulating tumor cell (CTC) assays could be discontinued for beneficiaries in certain states.

Both the clinical potential and costs associated with specialty drugs have grown rapidly over a relatively short period of time.

19 out of 20 patients who think they are allergic to penicillin are wrong and are costing 63% more

Why would HHS disrupt Part D when it's been a success for plans and for seniors?

AMCP and NCPA are generally relieved that feds won't interfere with drug prices

Narrow pharmacy networks are booming

Drug shortages remain a serious problem for patient safety, according to newly published results from a survey of pharmacy directors.

Six protected drug classes could be whittled down to three by 2016

Get caught up on CMS proposals for Part D networks, mail order and price negotiations

Breakthrough Therapy Designation given to daclatasvir and asunaprevir

Hep C drugs offer significant advantages, but payers must define payment approaches for optimal utilization.

Industry sounds off on healthcare using hashtag on Valentine's day; goes viral.

Drug prices show staggering markup

PBMs are moving products to non-covered status

Those treated with Umeclidinium and vilanterol inhalation powder showed improved lung function.

The two companies have signed an agreement that commits them to a “50/50 joint venture” that may dominate the US market.

Manufacturers must prove products are more effective than soap and water.

Chain and independent pharmacies aim to retain customers