FDA has banner year with 39 new drug approvals

Prademagene zamikeracel is a cell therapy designed to incorporate the functional collagen-producing COL7A1 gene into a patient’s own skin cells. The FDA is asking for additional information on manufacturing practices.

In 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.

Entyvio as an injection and subcutaneous formulations is approved to treat both Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.

Alvotech’s Selarsdi (ustekinumab-aekn), a biosimilar referencing Stelara (ustekinumab), gained FDA approval, making it the second ustekinumab biosimilar and second for the company to be given the green light for the American market.

Researchers were unable to find a significant benefit for patients for the majority of cancer medications given accelerated FDA approval.

The vaccine combines the antigenic components of its two meningococcal vaccines: Bexsero and Menveo. The action date is Feb. 14, 2025.