Monthly schizophrenia drug approved
The new product was prompted by a recognition of the need for additional treatment options in the treatment of schizophrenia
FDA has approved aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena, Otsuka and Lundbeck) as an extended-release injectable drug for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Abilify Maintena is a once-monthly formulation that offers the efficacy and safety profile of oral aripiprazole, which has been available to treat the condition since 2002.
Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder characterized by a disruption of thought processes that can cause delusions and hallucinations. The disease affects approximately 2.4 million Americans and 24 million people worldwide, and has serious consequences for patients, their families and the communities in which they live.
“The development of the new product was prompted by a recognition of the need for additional treatment options in the treatment of schizophrenia,” John M. Kane, MD, chairman of psychiatry, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, and vice president, Behavioral Health Services, North Shore-LIJ Health System, says.
Patients could have poor or partial treatment adherence resulting in high rates of relapse and re-hospitalization, so a once-monthly drug is “a very important opportunity in terms of serving our patients and possibly reducing costs and improving outcomes,” Dr. Kane says.
David Calabrese of OptumRx Talks New Role, Market Insulin Prices and Other Topics 'On His Mind'
April 13th 2023In this month’s episode of the "What's On Your Mind podcast," Peter Wehrwein, managing editor of MHE connects with the now Chief Clinical Officer of OptumRx Integrated Pharmacies, David Calabrese. In this conversation, David touches on his transition in January as OptumRx’s former chief pharmacy officer and market president of health plans and PBMs to his new role as Chief Clinical Officer where he now focuses more on things such as specialty pharmacy to home delivery — with an overall goal of creating whole-patient care. Throughout the conversation, Calabrese also touched on the market’s hot topic of insulin prices and behavioral health services within the OptumRx community, among other topics.
Listen
Briana Contreras, editor of Managed Healthcare Executive, spoke with Nancy Lurker, CEO and president of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals. Nancy shared a bit about EyePoint and how the organization’s innovative therapies are addressing patient needs through eye care, and most importantly, she addressed C-Suite positions like the CEO role. Nancy shared advice for those seeking to reach the CEO level, especially toward women in healthcare and other roles, and what it takes to run a biopharma company.
Listen
Upended: Can PBM Transparency Succeed?
March 6th 2024Simmering tensions in the pharmacy benefit management (PBM) industry have turned into fault lines. The PBMs challenging the "big three" have formed a trade association. Purchaser coalitions want change. The head of the industry's trade group says inherent marketplace friction has spilled over into political friction.
Read More
Florida Gets the OK. But Will Drug Importation from Canada Actually Happen?
March 5th 2024Canadian health officials warn that maintaining a drug supply for Canadians is their priority. The staunch opposition of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry may also be an obstacle to imports from north of the border.
Read More
