Pharmacy spending (more from Desktop Resource, Feb. 2008)
One of the most important therapeutic classes according is going to be cancer and transplant. "In fact, its contribution to spending increases over the next three years is definitely underestimated here since our projections are based on pharmacy claims data and a large portion of the spending for cancer treatments is paid through the medical benefit," says Lon Castle, MD, senior director, department of medical and analytical affairs at Medco.
One of the most important therapeutic classes according to Figure 2 is going to be cancer and transplant. "In fact, its contribution to spending increases over the next three years is definitely underestimated here since our projections are based on pharmacy claims data and a large portion of the spending for cancer treatments is paid through the medical benefit," says Lon Castle, MD, senior director, department of medical and analytical affairs at Medco. "We estimate that the pharmacy spending in this class is going to increase dramatically."
According to Dr. Castle, in 2006 cancer spending grew nearly 38%, becoming the largest contributor to specialty drug trend. Almost 25% of all specialty drugs approved last year were for cancer. There are more than 500 new cancer drugs and indications for existing cancer drugs under development. These include the more targeted and personalized cancer therapies that are expected to comprise the majority of cancer drugs developed over the next five to seven years.
Conversations with Perry and Friends: Saar Mahna, J.D., MBA
July 7th 2025Perry Cohen, Pharm.D., a longtime member of the Managed Healthcare Executive editorial advisory board, is host of the "Conversations with Perry and Friends" podcast. In this episode, Cohen speaks with Saar Mahna, J.D., MBA, CEO and founder of Banjo Health, an artificial intelligence company focused on prior authorization.
Listen
Conversations With Perry and Friends: Paul Fronstin, Ph.D.
May 9th 2025Perry Cohen, Pharm.D., a longtime member of the Managed Healthcare Executive editorial advisory board, is host of the Conversations with Perry and Friends podcast. In this episode, his guest is Paul Fronstin, Ph.D., director of health benefits research at the Employee Benefit Research Institute.
Listen
Sexual Health and HIV Care Integration Key to Better Care | IAS 2025
July 14th 2025Integrating HIV and sexual health care is essential for improving outcomes, but global stigma, funding cuts—especially the defunding of USAID—and structural barriers like limited access and political resistance continue to hinder progress, experts emphasized at IAS 2025.
Read More
