Formulary Watch |

Analysis Finds Biosimilars Can Reduce Total Cost of Care

Generic News: New Approvals and New Research

Newly launched include generics of Spiriva HandiHaler, Forteo, Livalo and Farxiga.

Janssen Submits Supplemental Application for Rybrevant in NSCLC

Janssen is seeking approval for use after Tagrisso in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

FDA to Hold Advisory Meeting for Abecma in Earlier Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

A regulatory decision will not be made by the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of Dec. 16, 2023.

CVS Caremark Switches Up Biosimilar Coverage in 2024

FDA Approves First-in-Class Therapy for HR Positive Breast Cancer

Truqap is an AKT kinase inhibitor that, along with Faslodex, reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 50%.

Bayer Recalls One Lot of Vitrakvi Because of Contamination

Contamination with Penicillium brevicompactum could lead to invasive fungal infections of the blood or pneumonia that can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients.

FDA Approves Augtyro to Treat ROS1 Positive Lung Cancer

Augtyro will be available in mid-December to treat patients with metastatic ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer. It has a list price of $29,000 a month.

What We’re Reading: Insurer Denies Gene Therapy, Evolution of the PBM, United Healthcare Sued

Express Scripts Launches New Cost Plus Drug Model

Bimzelx, the Newest Psoriasis Treatment, is Now Available

Is Home-Based CAR-T Therapy Possible?

Bayer to Withdraw Cancer Drug Aliqopa from Market

Aliqopa was granted accelerated approval in September 2017 to treat adult patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma.

What We’re Reading: Insurance Company Denials, State Efforts to Limit COVID Vaccines

FDA Approves Chikungunya Virus Vaccine

Ixchiq was approved through the FDA Accelerated Approval pathway.

FDA Approves Oral Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Fruzaqla is the first inhibitor of all three VEGF receptor kinases. The list price is $25,200 for a 28-day supply of a 5 mg dose and $6,300 for a 28-day supply of 1 mg dose

FDA Approves Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Rare Clotting Disorder

Adzynma is a recombinant protein designed to replace the deficient ADAMTS13 enzyme.

Cigna Makes Changes to Drugs Lists for 2024

Drug Spend for IBD Drugs Could Shift to Pharmacy Benefit

Lilly’s Weight Loss Drug Approved by the FDA

Postpartum Depression Therapy to Launch with $15,900 Price

How Magellan’s Behavior Health Program Saved up to $4,300 PMPY

Optum Rx Announces Formulary Exclusions for 2024

ICER: Greater Transparency of Coverage Policies Needed

FDA Approves Novel Therapy for Gastroesophageal Reflux

Voquezna is a potassium-competitive acid blocker, which has a mechanism similar to proton pump inhibitors but with a more rapid action. It will be available in December and has a list price of $650 for a 30-count bottle.

Express Scripts Includes Inpefa on Commercial Formularies

Express Scripts has also included the heart failure drug Inpefa on its Medicare formularies.

FDA Approves First Interchangeable Stelara Biosimilar

Amgen’s Wezlana is approved to treat multiple inflammatory diseases. It is expected to launch no later than Jan. 1, 2025

FDA Assigns Goal Date for Mavorixafor for Rare Immunodeficiency Disease

If approved, mavorixafor would be the first therapy for WHIM syndrome, an ultra-rare disease that can cause recurrent lung infections, papillomavirus-related warts, and an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. The PDUFA date is April 30, 2024.

Payer Coverage of Biosimilars Varies by Preference

CarePartners Adds Yuflyma to its Cost Savings Program