Denise Myshko

In a busy week, the FDA approved the first drug to delay diabetes, a second interchangeable Lantus biosimilar, and an alternate dosing schedule for Rylaze. The agency also granted accelerated approval of a novel ovarian cancer therapy, updated the target date for pegcetacoplan NDA review, and proposed prescription-to-OTC naloxone. In addition, an advisory committee supported the use of Xphozah in CKD.

OptumRx will offer Amjevita and two other biosimilars alongside Humira. OptumRx is the first large PBM to make public its plans for the seven Humira biosimilars that may come on the market next year.

The FDA approved several new therapies for cancers, including the combination of Imfinzi and Imjudo to treat lung cancer, Libtayo for second indication in lung cancer, and Adcetris for younger patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. In COVID-19 news, the agency issued an EUA for Kineret for hospitalized, but indicated bebtelovimab does not neutralize new omicron subvariants. The regulatory agency also accepted NDAs for a Parkinson’s disease therapy and for a therapy used for stem cell mobilization.

The FDA has approved a hepatitis B therapy for adolescents and an oral MEK inhibitor to treat blood cancers. The regulatory agency has granted priority review for an adult RSV vaccine but extended the review for a Pompe disease therapy. Additionally, CytoDyn has withdrawn its BLA for an HIV therapy.

NIH researchers have created a 3D map of DNA within human retina cells and identified new gene variants that could be risk factors for age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

A bioengineered corneal implant made with collagen from pig’s skin could be an alternative to human transplants for those with keratoconus, a rare condition that can lead to blurry vision and blindness.

For patients with dry eyes, a cross-study comparison finds Tyrvaya may produce more natural tears than Xiidra.

The FDA approved two new novel cancer treatments: a bispecific antibody for multiple myeloma and a regimen of two drugs for liver cancer. The agency also granted priority review to two therapies. One is a novel therapy for C. difficile and the other is for a acute myeloid leukemia drug. The FDA has postponed an advisory committee meeting for an OTC birth control pill and accepted an NDA for new dry eye therapy. Additionally, Genmab submitted applications for a bispecific therapy for large B-cell lymphoma.

In COVID-19 news, the FDA issued an EUA for Novavax booster. The agency has extended review time for new ALS therapy and accepted a supplemental NDA for Camzyos. Additionlly, the FDA granted six months pediatric exclusivity for Eylea.

In COVID-19 news, the FDA has authorized updated boosters for younger children. The FDA also approved an at-home heart failure therapy, but issued a CRL for a Parkinson’s therapy. The agency has assigned PDUFDA dates for several BLA, including a hemophilia A gene therapy and Eylea for retinopathy in premature infants. Regulators have also announced an Adderall shortage. Additionally, a nonprofit company has begun the application process for OTC version of naloxone.

The FDA uses real-world data to show how Boostrix prevents infections in infants. The agency also approves a label expansion for Oxlumo, a new administration method for Trogarzo, and accepts an sBLA for Takhzyro. In COVID-19 news, Eiger won’t submit EUA for COVID-19 treatment. Additionally, an OIG reports finds many accelerated approvals have delayed confirmatory trials.

This is the first study to use an artificial intelligence algorithm to break down visual field loss in new-onset glaucoma cases among U.S.-based population groups.

Older patients who had cataract surgery had almost a 30% lower risk of developing dementia compared with those who did not, a recent analysis finds.

Researchers at the National Eye Institute have designed a gene therapy approach that could help prevent blindness in children with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare form of blindness.

The FDA has approved several new therapies this week, including Amylyx’s oral treatment for ALS, a fourth Avastin biosimilar, a new glaucoma treatment and another indication for Duxipent. The agency also accepted an NDA for therapy for rare immunodeficiency disease.

The FDA approved a tumor agnostic treatment for cancer, a lower dose MRI contrast agent, the first generic of Tazorac gel, and a gene therapy for a rare disease. Advisory committees vote down poziotinib for NSCLC and Pepaxto for multiple myeloma and give positive vote for microbiotic-based C. diff therapy. The agency has accepted sNDA for Tukysa for HER2 positive colorectal cancer.

The FDA has approved new therapies for psoriasis and kidney dysfunction. The agency has also scheduled an advisory committee meeting for nonprescription birth control and accepted applications for longer-acting aripiprazole, Rett syndrome drug, and an enzyme replacement therapy. Additionally, Clovis has submits supplemental applications for Rubraca.

Timothy Mizak and Nicole Bulochnik of Abarca talked about how can PBMs help payers manage costs through a hybrid network model that leverages value-based and other innovative drug contracts at the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute (PBMI) annual meeting in Orlando.

Jeffrey A. Shaman, Ph.D., chief science officer at Coriell Life Sciences, talked about how pharmacogenomics can inform medication management.

Greg Warren, partner and consulting actuary at Axene Health Partners, discussed the many solutions that have been put forth to address the prescription drug challenges that could bring value to healthcare.

Kali Panagos, Pharm.D., of ARMSRx discussed ways that pharmacy benefit managers are coping with specialty drug spending.

Doug Long, vice president, industry relations IQVIA, talk about the growth of the specialty medication market and the impact of biosimilars that are expected to be introduced next year.

In COVID-19 news, the FDA indicated Eiger’s treatment not supported by data. An advisory committee switched its vote to yes for new ALS drug. The FDA approved Stimufend, a biosimilar to Neulasta, as well as Imfinzi for biliary tract cancer, a longer-lasting treatment for frown lines, an oral suspension for gastric ulcers, and generics of Revlimid. The agency accepted applications for novel dry eye disease and alopecia therapies. Additionally, Seres completed rolling BLA for microbiome therapeutic.

A recent literature reviewed showed a plausible link between diabetic retinopathy and the gut microbiome. The authors speculate that the manipulating the makeup of microbiome might be a way to help keep diabetic retinopathy in check.

In COVID-19 news, the FDA authorized updated boosters. The agency also approved several new therapies, including Xenpozyme for a rare genetic disorder, and Pemazyre for myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms, Spevigo for rare type of psoriasis flare. The FDA also expanded Imbruvica’s indication for young children with GVHD and granted priority review for weekly hemophilia A therapy.

Even small payments can influence ophthalmologists and optometrists to prescribe branded therapies to treat patients with glaucoma.

Patients who received the chemotherapies paclitaxel and docetaxel were at an increased risk of adverse events of the eye.

In COVID-19 news, both Pfizer and Moderna have submitted applications for an updated booster vaccine, and the FDA grants EUA for Novavax vaccine for adolescents. The agency also approved rapid-acting Auvelity for major depression, expanded Imbruvica for young children with GVHD, expanded use of Omnipod 5 for younger children, and accepted an NDA for GSK’s myelofibrosis drug.

In COVID-19 news, Novaxax seeks EUA for vaccine booster. The FDA has approved Bluebird’s $2.8 million gene therapy for blood disease, as well a high-concentration of Hadlima, a Humira biosimilar. The agency has also PDUFA for several products, including Lynparza/abiraterone prostate cancer, Polivy for a blood cancer, and fezolinetant for menopause.

In a busy week, the FDA has approved additional indications for Enhertu, Myfembree and Nubeqa, as well as a tablet form of Calquence. The agency also approved Xofluza for children, issued an EUA for monkeypox vaccine in children, extended the review of omaveloxolone, set up advisory committee meeting for microbiota-based C. diff therapy, and priority review for elacestrant in breast cancer. Additionally, Novaliq submited NDA for dry eye treatment.