Independence Blue Cross president: Why we cover whole genome sequencing
October 31st 2016After carefully considering its promise and consulting with experts, Independence Blue Cross this year became the first major insurer to provide coverage for certain members who are seeking access to whole genome sequencing.
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Cancer MoonShot 2020 will arm oncologists with new tools
October 30th 2016The Cancer MoonShot 2020 program brings together stakeholders from pharma, community and academic oncology, as well as government and scientific communities in an effort to accelerate the potential of combination immunotherapy as the next-generation standard of care in cancer patients.
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First olmesartan generics approved for hypertension
October 28th 2016In a big move for patients who take blood pressure medication on a regular basis, FDA last week approved the first generic versions of 4 drugs that contain the blood pressure-lowering medication olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar, Daiichi Sankyo).
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Clear skin within reach for psoriasis patients
October 25th 2016New data presented at the 25th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress in Vienna, Austria, this week shows that secukinumab (Cosentyx, Novartis) has long-lasting skin clearance in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
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New antibiotic for MRSA on the horizon
October 24th 2016As the healthcare profession continues to face challenges with antibiotic resistance, drugmakers are developing novel antibiotics that will be effective against some of the worst infections. One drugmaker submitted New Drug Applications (NDAs) for approval of IV and oral delafloxacin (Baxdela) to FDA.
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New cancer care approach: Highmark’s cancer collaborative
October 24th 2016Cancer care has made great strides in the U.S., but effective care is still too expensive and inaccessible for many Americans. Now, payers and providers at Highmark, Allegheny Health Network and Johns Hopkins are launching a new model that could change cancer collaboration.
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Sharp price increases for cancer drugs
October 14th 2016A majority of oncology drugs-particularly older cancer drugs-had price hikes in 2015, according to a study. Plus, Ariad Pharmaceuticals raised the price of its chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) drug ponatinib (Iclusig) for the fourth time this year to around $199,000 a year, according to The Street.
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Big savings expected with new generic antipsychotic
October 14th 2016FDA tentatively approved the abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for generic quetiapine fumarate extended-release tablets (brand Seroquel XR, AstraZeneca) to treat schizophrenia and manic/mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
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