Formulary Watch |

FDA Approves Keytruda for Lung Cancer After Surgery

This approval marks the fifth indication for Keytruda-based regimens in non-small cell lung cancer and the 34th indication in the United States.

IQVIA: Accumulator and Maximizer Programs are Growing

FDA Removes Evusheld’s EUA for COVID-19

AstraZeneca is developing a next-generation long-acting antibody for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19, which it plans to make available in the second half of 2023.

Flipt, Evio Partner on Pharmacy Benefit Solution for Employers

Analysis: Payers Restrict Medications for Autoimmune Diseases

Three out of four health plans scored a “C” or an “F” because of utilization management restrictions they place on medication for autoimmune conditions.

Payers and Specialty Drugs

In this video, Dea Belazi, president and chief executive officer of AscellaHealth, discusses how payers will approach specialty drugs.

Study: Heart Failure Patients Could Save with Inflation Reduction Act

AAM Report: PBMs, Health Plans Delay Adoption of Generics

Amazon Launches Subscription-Based Med Service

FDA to Hold Advisory Committee Meeting for ALS Drug

The Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for March 22, 2023, to review Biogen’s tofersen.

Optum Rx Launches Price Comparison Tool

FDA Approves New Drug for Type 2 Diabetes

Once-daily, oral SGLT2 inhibitor Brenzavvy has been shown to reduce blood sugar and improve glycemic control.

Specialty Pharmacy Trends to Watch in 2023

FDA Accepts Jardiance sNDA for CKD Indication

A phase 3 trial showed that Jardiance reduced the risk of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in adults with chronic kidney disease by 28% compared with placebo. An FDA decision is expected in the second half of 2023.

Moderna Banks on COVID-19, RSV Vaccines

FDA Issues Complete Response for Lilly Alzheimer’s Drug

Lilly expects topline results from the confirmatory phase 3 trial in the second quarter of 2023 and plans to submit for full approval.

FDA Approves Brukinsa for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

This is the fourth indication for the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

FDA Approves Tukysa for HER2 Positive Colorectal Cancer

Tukysa with trastuzumab is indicated for second-line treatment of HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer, the first such therapy for this cancer.

FDA Accepts Application for NASH Drug

There are currently no medications approved for the treatment of NASH, which can lead to cirrhosis, eventual liver failure, cancer and death. The FDA has assigned a PDUFA target action of June 22, 2023, for the therapy, obeticholic acid.

Global Savings from Biosimilars Could Reach $383 by 2027

Why Patients Want a Patient-First Pharmacy Benefit

Study: Medicare Patients to Benefit from $35 Insulin Cap

ICER Review Leads to Formulary Changes

SmartRx Joins Prescription Drug Discount Arena

California Sues Drug Makers, PBMs Over Rising Prices for Insulin

Lawsuit accuses the companies of using unlawful, unfair, and deceptive practices.

FDA Approves Extended-Release Risperidone for Schizophrenia

Rykindo is a bi-weekly long-acting risperidone injection to treat patients with schizophrenia and bipolar 1 in adults.

Optum Rx Revenue Grows 9% in 2022

FDA Approves Rybelsus for First-line Treatment of Diabetes

This update removes a previous limitation that it could not be used as the first therapy.

ACS: Cancer Mortality has Decreased 33%

CMS Sets Dates for Drug Negotiation Program

CMS officials plan to engage with the public for feedback and insights as they implement the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.