Formulary Watch |

Two reports show that drug-related deaths are skyrocketing among people 65 years and older.

Novavax’ protein-based vaccine is engineered from the genetic sequence of the first strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease.

Escalating costs are hitting patients hard. CMS price negotiation and the $2,000 cap on Part D out-of-pocket expenses should benefit many patients with Medicare coverage.

Most of the brands that have been removed fall into the categories of hormonal therapies, pain and inflammatory conditions or skin conditions or high blood pressure/heart medications.

Arash Sadeghi, Pharm.D., discusses three drugs in development, which treat a rare kidney disease, hemophilia B, and an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration.

The lack of competition and the vertical integration of PBMs and insurers can have a negative impact on patients’ access to and cost of prescription drugs, AMA said.

A real-world study by the PBM shows major benefits from the new cystic fibrosis drug when it comes to hospitalizations and pulmonary exacerbations. But total cost of care of patients tripled because the drug is expensive.

The Amgen Biosimilars Trend Report found that competition is lowering prices of biosimilars but the largest PBMs are inconsistent in their management of these products.

Until supply is restored, the FDA suggests the use of alternatives such as the extended-release version of amphetamine mixed salts.

Regence implemented a preferred infliximab biosimilar strategy and was able to achieve more than 90% adoption.

If approved, valoctocogene roxaparvovec would be the first gene therapy in the U.S. for the treatment of severe hemophilia A. A PDUFA action date has been set for March 31, 2023.

In total, CVS Caremark has removed 26 products and added 31 products effective Jan. 1, 2023.

The submission is expected to be complete by the end of the year, and if approved, could be available in early 2024.

Ashley Jenne, managing director, strategy and business development at Evernorth, discusses the evolution of the PBM’s digital health formulary.

EmpiRx Health CEO Karthik Ganesh discusses how the PBM was able to decrease mental health drug spending at a time when utilization is increasing.

The FDA had indicated that it would not issue an emergency use authorization without additional data for peginterferon lambda to treat patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19.