Formulary Watch |

Invokamet extended-release approved for diabetes

FDA recently approved an expanded use for Invokamet (Janssen): Invokamet XR, an extended-release combination drug to treat type 2 diabetes. The original Invokamet was approved by FDA in 2014.

New drug approved for heart patients

FDA approved once-daily Yosprala (Aralez), a fixed-dose combination of aspirin, an anti-platelet agent and omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), for patients who require aspirin for secondary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) and cerebrovascular events and who are at risk of developing aspirin-associated gastric ulcers.Here are the top 5 facts to know about Yosprala.

FDA approves first drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Even though an FDA panel recommended against approving a new drug to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy in April, the agency granted accelerated approval to eteplirsen injection (Exondys 51, Sarepta Therapeutics) in mid-September.

New biosimilar for RA to save millions

FDA’s approval of a new biosimilar-the third FDA-approved biosimilar-stands to save the US healthcare system millions of dollars.

Cheaper generic EpiPen doesn't quiet critics

Despite offering a generic version of its EpiPen, Mylan has been unable to curb the backlash that began in late August over the cost of its epinephrine injection.

Abuse-deterrent opioid pain drug approved

FDA recently approved the only oxycodone with oral abuse-deterrent features.

Health costs rise for diabetes patients

Healthcare spending for people with diabetes rose nearly 6% in 2014, according to a new study. Find out what contributed to the rise.

Diabetes increases risk of heart attack by half

UK study: Diabetes increases risk of heart attack death. Here are the surprising details.

EpiPen discounts offered after pricing flap

After protests by patients, parents and Congressional representatives, Mylan said it would offer discounts on its epinephrine EpiPen Auto-Injector treatment to stop allergic reactions.

Game-changing depression drug on horizon

FDA recently granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for esketamine (Janssen Research & Development), an investigational medication to treat major depressive disorder with imminent risk for suicide.

Are PCSK9 inhibitors too pricey?

PCSK9 inhibitors such as alirocumab (Praluent, Sanofi) and evolocumab (Repatha, Amgen) are priced too high to benefit the US healthcare system, according to a new study.

New drug approved for chemotherapy nausea

FDA recently approved granisetron (Sustol, Heron Therapeutics) extended-release injection to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with repeat courses of chemotherapy.

AbbVie hep C drug combo enters market

In an era when legislators, pharmacy benefit managers and others continue to protest the high cost of hepatitis C drugs, new drugs to treat the disease are welcomed. FDA recently approved ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir tablets co-packaged with dasabuvir tablets (Viekira XR, AbbVie) to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 (GT1) infection, including those with cirrhosis. AbbVie already markets Viekira Pak, which competes with Harvoni and Sovaldi (Gilead Sciences).

Merck value rises after new Keytruda approval

Merck’s Wall Street value is climbing after its cancer drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) received yet another approval from FDA.

PBM giants pare down drug expenses

When Express Scripts and CVS Health announced their 2017 formularies on August 1, a common theme emerged among the healthcare giants: several blockbuster drugs will be removed from both companies’ formularies and lower-cost options such as biosimilars are being embraced.

Medicare drug pricing debate heats up

A senator is investigating whether Medicare's prescription drug benefit is vulnerable to manipulation by pharmaceutical companies after an exclusive Associated Press report showed that Medicare’s spending on certain drugs soared by 85 percent.

FDA: Antibiotics class must carry warning

FDA added new safety labeling changes for a class of antibiotics, fluoroquinolones (Levaquin, Cipro and other branded drugs), to enhance warnings about their association with disabling and potentially permanent side effects. Plus, the new labeling says that the drugs’ use should be limited in patients with less serious bacterial infections.

New diabetes drug up against leading brands

FDA approved lixisenatide (Adlyxin, Sanofi-Aventis), a once-daily mealtime GLP-1 receptor agonist injection for type 2 diabetes, which will compete against the once-weekly pen dulaglutide (Trulicity, Eli Lilly) and the injectable liraglutide (Victoza, Novo Nordisk).

Overtreating glucose levels can take a toll on diabetes patients

Mayo Clinic researchers found that beyond overtesting, focus on HbA1C levels can lead to serious harms for patients, especially as more diabetes drugs are needed to keep HbA1C within desired targets.

Wide geographic differences exist in treating diabetes

New weight management pill available soon

FDA recently approved the New Drug Application (NDA) for (lorcaserin HCl) CIV extended-release 20 mg tablets (Belviq XR, Eisai Inc. and Arena Pharmaceuticals), a once-a day dosing option for chronic weight management.

FDA approves drug for pregnant women with HIV

FDA recently approved an expansion to the prescribing information for darunavir (Prezista, Janssen Therapeutics), to treat pregnant women with HIV.

Diabetes complications fuel rising costs

Medication nonadherence and complications from type 2 diabetes is resulting in signficant economic and societal burdens in the U.S. and other countries, according to a new report.

FDA approves first once-monthly injection to lower cholesterol

FDA approved evolocumab (Repatha, Amgen) Pushtronex system, the first monthly single-dose injection of a PCSK9 inhibitor. Repatha was already approved by FDA as the only PCSK9 inhibitor with a monthly dose last August.

Top 4 ways US is combating opioid epidemic

Expanding access to buprenorphine, a medication to treat opioid use disorder, is one of several new actions announced by Health and Human Services (HHS) to combat the opioid epidemic. Here are the top 4 new provisions from HHS.

FDA approves cannabis-derived drug

For the first time, FDA approved dronabinol oral solution (Syndros, Insys Therapeutics), a liquid formulation of the pharmaceutical cannabinoid dronabinol, a pharmaceutical version of tetrahydrocannabinol ("THC").

Cheaper hep C drug enters competitive market

A new drug approved by FDA to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection this week enters a competitive, lucrative market headed up by Gilead Science’s Sovaldi and Harvoni, as well as AbbVie’s Viekira Pak. FDA granted priority review and breakthrough therapy designation to Gilead’s combination product, Epclusa (sofosbuvir 400 mg/velpatasvir 100 mg).

Patient navigators can benefit diabetes outcomes

Empowered patients more likely to stick to diabetes treatments

Empowerment is an important factor to address everyday aspects of dealing with a chronic disease, including diabetes, according to a study that evaluated the effect of diabetes empowerment on medication adherence and self-care behaviors in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Zika vaccine on the horizon

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) plans to help bring a vaccine for the Zika virus to market immediately via Emergent BioSolutions Inc., which also developed the anthrax vaccine.