Formulary Watch |
All News - Page 97
Most medications found better than Tylenol for knee pain
February 26, 2015
Most treatments for pain caused by knee osteoarthritis helped alleviate pain better than acetaminophen (Tylenol) – with one exception, according to a study published in the January 6 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine
Prostate cancer drug could help Alzheimer's patients
February 26, 2015
The prostate cancer medication leuprolide acetate (Lupron Depot), used in conjunction with acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI), slowed memory loss in female Alzheimer’s patients, according to a new study.
Resistance to malaria drug increasing
February 25, 2015
Resistance to the malaria medication artemisinin extends across much of Myanmar in Southeast Asia, according a new study, published online February 19 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Higher opioid doses linked to increase in depression: Study
February 24, 2015
Patients who increased doses of opioid medicines to manage chronic pain were more likely to experience an increase in depression, according to a study published in the February issue of Pain.
FDA clears closure system to permanently treat varicose veins
February 23, 2015
The VenaSeal system is newly approved to permanently treat varicose veins by sealing the affected veins using an adhesive agent, known as n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, which polymerizes into solid material after being injected into the vein.
Actavis gains final FDA approval for generic Subutex
February 23, 2015
Actavis has received final approval from FDA on its Abbreviated New Drug Application for a generic version of Reckitt Benckiser's Subutex (buprenorphine 2 mg and 8 mg sublingual tablets) indicated for treatment of opioid dependence.
FDA approves multiple myeloma drug
February 23, 2015
FDA approved Farydak (panobinostat) for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma, which is attributed to 10,710 deaths in the U.S. annually.
FDA clears sale for first direct-to-consumer genetic test
February 20, 2015
FDA has authorized marketing of Bloom Syndrome carrier test, a direct-to-consumer genetic test from 23andMe.The test is designed to identify healthy individuals who carry a gene that could cause Bloom Syndrome in their offspring.
Move over Sovaldi: Could PCSK9 inhibitors be a bigger cost challenge?
February 20, 2015
The introduction of high-cost, high-use PCSK9 inhibitors (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9) enzyme inhibitors to treat high cholesterol, takes the industry step closer to a future where “healthcare costs break the bank,” according to industry insiders.
FDA expands approval of Revlimid to include newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
February 20, 2015
FDA expanded approval of lenalidomide (Revlimid, Celgene) for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Revlimid acts as an immunomodulating agent and inhibits the growth of myeloma cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and cell death.
Medication therapy can increase long-term success for smokers who want to cut back first, study finds
February 18, 2015
A study of more than 1,500 cigarette smokers who were not ready to quit smoking but were willing to cut back on cigarette consumption and combine their approach with varenicline (Chantix, Pfizer) increased their long-term success of quitting smoking.
BLOG: Time to show and tell about antibiotic stewardship programs
February 18, 2015
President Obama’s recent proposal to nearly double funding for antibiotic resistance programs to $1.2 billion in the 2016 federal budget confirms that the battle against “superbugs” is indeed moving up the government agenda.
FDA approves Banzel to treat seizures associated with LGS in pediatric patients
February 17, 2015
FDA has approved rufinamide (Banzel, Eisai) for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in pediatric patients.
FDA approves Lenvima for a type of thyroid cancer
February 15, 2015
FDA has approved lenvatinib (Lenvima, Eisai) for the treatment of progressive, differentiated thyroid cancer.
FDA grants priority review to heart failure drug
February 13, 2015
FDA has granted priority review for LCZ696 (Novartis), an investigational drug for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Irritable bowel syndrome therapeutics market dynamics
February 12, 2015
Currently, the IBS treatment market is naïve and underpenetrated, with only 4 products indicated for IBS in the 7MM.
Rite Aid buys PBM EnvisionRx
February 12, 2015
In a move widely seen as a way to better compete with the other major chain drugstores, Rite Aid Corp. has announced an agreement on Feb. 11 to buy the pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) EnvisionRx for about $2 billion.
Proteasome inhibitor meets primary end point of improvement in PFS in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
February 11, 2015
A pivotal phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of investigational ixazomib (Takeda), the first oral proteasome inhibitor (PI), conducted in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma achieved its primary end point of improving progression-free survival (PFS) at the first pre-specified interim analysis.
E-Rx tool for controlled substances launches, integrates with EHRs
February 11, 2015
Imprivata Confirm ID is the first comprehensive product that simplifies the adoption of DEA requirements for the electronic prescribing of controlled substances.
Pancreatic cancer: Targeted treatments hold promise
February 10, 2015
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Trade Press Scientists are working to develop breakthrough therapies for pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers affecting men and women.
Humira biosimilar demonstrates positive results for rheumatoid arthritis
February 10, 2015
Amgen has announced positive results from a clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of biosimilar candidate, ABP 501, compared with Humira (adalimumab) in patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis.
American Lung Association calls for halt of tobacco sales at pharmacies
February 10, 2015
The American Lung Association has called for a halt to the sale of all tobacco products at all retailers with pharmacies.
Top non-pharmacological treatments for IPF
February 10, 2015
Because there was no approved medication treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) until mid-October, 2014, physicians primarily focused on non-pharmacological treatments to help patients improve. Even with FDA’s approval of nintedanib (Ofev) and pirfenidone (Esbriet), physicians will continue to recommend certain therapies that generally ease symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life.
Physicians unsure about new IPF drugs
February 10, 2015
While physicians laud FDA’s approval of nintedanib (Ofev) and pirfenidone (Esbriet) for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)-the first approved medications to treat the disease in the United Sates-they don’t know how to use them.
Study: Tamiflu shortens length of flu symptoms
February 9, 2015
Antiviral drug oseltamavir (Tamiflu, Roche) shortens the length of flu symptoms by about 1 day, and reduces respiratory infections that sometimes develop by 44%, according to a study published in The Lancet.
PCORI to give $138M to disease researchers
February 9, 2015
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has issued 6 new funding announcements offering up to $138 million in support for studies comparing how well different approaches to care work for patients given their particular circumstances and concerns.
FDA approves Lucentis for treatment of diabetic retinopathy in people with DME
February 8, 2015
FDA has expanded the approved use of ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech) to treat diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).
First-line stroke treatment may be given by paramedics
February 6, 2015
It is possible to get treatments to stroke patients even before they arrive at a hospital, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
