Enfuvirtide is the first drug to be approved in a new class of anti-HIV drugs known as fusion inhibitors (see "Focus On... Enfuvirtide"). The drug interferes with the entry of HIV-1 into immune cells by inhibiting the fusion of viral and cellular membranes. This occurs when enfuvirtide prevents conformational changes required for the fusion of viral and cellular membranes by binding to the first heptad-repeat (HR1) in the gp41 subunit of the viral envelope glycoprotein. Enfuvirtide, in combination with other antiretroviral agents, is intended for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in treatment-experienced patients with evidence of HIV-1 replication despite ongoing antiretroviral therapy.
Navitus to Offer Unbranded Stelara Biosimilar, Remove Stelara from Formulary
March 13th 2025Lumicera Health Services, Navitus’ specialty pharmacy, has made a deal with Teva to offer an unbranded biosimilar that they estimate will save $112,000 and $336,000 per patient per year. Navitus will remove Stelara from formulary on July 1, 2025.
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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 Approves Neffy 1 mg Nasal Spray for Pediatric Patients
March 6th 2025Neffy 1 mg is now approved by the FDA to treat pediatric patients who weigh 33 to 65 lbs. Neffy was first FDA-approved as a 2 mg dose in August 2024 for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in children and adults weighing at least 66 lbs.
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