Efalizumab: A new biologic therapy for the control of chronic plaque psoriasis
Efalizumab (Raptiva, Genentech/Xoma) is a humanized monoclonal antibody of CD11a that exerts its effect through the blockade of the interaction between leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). FDA recently granted approval for efalizumab in the treatment of chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults aged 18 years and older. Efalizumab does not achieve clinical response rates equal to cyclosporine or methotrexate, but it lacks the systemic organ toxicities of these agents and is associated with a more rapid onset of action (significant improvements in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] response after 2 doses). In addition, efalizumab will likely compete with another approved biologic, alefacept, and off-label use of 2 other biologics currently on the market, etanercept and infliximab. At this time, until further studies comparing efalizumab to other drugs indicated for the treatment of psoriasis are completed and post-marketing surveillance is conducted, the agent?s place on the formulary remains unclear.
David Calabrese of OptumRx Talks Top Three Drugs in Pipeline, Industry Trends in Q2
July 1st 2020In this week's episode of Tuning Into The C-Suite podcast, MHE's Briana Contreras chatted with David Calabrese, R.Ph, MHP, who is senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer of pharmacy care services company, OptumRx. David is also a member of Managed Healthcare Executives’ Editorial Advisory Board. During the discussion, he shared the OptumRx Quarter 2 Drug Pipeline Insights Report of 2020. Some of the information shared includes the three notable drugs currently being reviewed or those that have been recently approved by the FDA. Also discussed were any interesting industry trends to watch for.
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FDA Clears Phase 2 Trial of Cannabis in PTSD
November 20th 2024After a three-year negotiation, the FDA has dropped its objection to allowing patients to self-titrate dosing of smoked cannabis. But regulators want to see additional information about the device that will be used for inhalation.
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