Formulary Watch

Data from phase 3 trials of an investigational once-weekly injectable human GLP-1 analog?taspoglutide?show that it compares favorably with currently available agents in terms of glycemic control while offering favorable gastrointestinal tolerability and equal or superior weight loss.

An experimental drug for hepatitis C from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, telaprevir, sharply increased the cure rate in a clinical trial, while reducing the time needed for treatment. Experts said the results could herald a new era in treating the sometimes-fatal disease that is often overlooked, as reported by The New York Times.

Most patients with resistant rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who failed to respond to an initial cycle of rituximab (Rituxan) showed clinical improvement following a second treatment cycle, a British study found, as reported by MedPage.

Most patients with resistant rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who failed to respond to an initial cycle of rituximab (Rituxan) showed clinical improvement following a second treatment cycle, a British study found, as reported by MedPage.

Researchers will explore whether a new, very low-cost, one-a-day combined ?polypill? could reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems across the world, in a major new international trial that has just launched, as reported by ScienceDaily.

In 2009, the drug trend for children, a measure of prescription spending growth, increased 10.8%, driven by a 5% increase in drug utilization and higher medication costs, according to the Medco 2010 Drug Trend Report.

Low-dose hormone therapy significantly reduced ?sleep time? awakenings caused by hot flashes in postmenopausal women, according to the results of a recent multicenter study conducted at 19 US sites.

Results of a new study found that the investigational triple combination therapy of olmesartan medoxomil (OM), amlodipine besylate (AML), and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), demonstrated significantly greater mean reductions at week 12 in blood pressure.

As early as April 2009, FDA and the American Thyroid Association began recommending that propylthiouracil not be prescribed as first-line therapy in most adults or children based on reports of propylthiouracil-related serious liver injury from both the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System and liver transplantation monitoring programs.

Many social media sites exist, but healthcare professionals may not know that social media also exists in their realm. It ranges from online medical advice to actual patient-physician appointments.

Overall, 70% of adverse drug events are considered preventable. Since managed care companies are always looking to improve patient care and prevent adverse outcomes, it is no wonder that patient safety is a concern in this healthcare environment.

Costs for specialty pharmaceuticals continue to increase at double-digit rates. Therefore key stakeholders such as pharmacy benefit management companies, health plans, specialty pharmacies, employers/groups, and physician specialists, are looking for ways to most efficiently manage these products for patients.

Novo Nordisk announced details of the company?s cardiovascular outcomes trial for liraglutide (rDNA origin) injection (Victoza), which is set to start this autumn.

Vaccine agents in late-stage development.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension: Bridging the gap between efficacy, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness; Lorcaserin: A novel, selective 5-HT2C-receptor agonist for the treatment of obesity; Vaccine agents in late-stage development.

Labeling for all prescription and over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors will have to include wording about a possible increased risk of hip, wrist, and/or spine fractures with their use.

FDA notified providers and patients that they are continuing to review available data suggesting an increase in the risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and sudden death in men treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists as androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

FDA appears to be requesting some kind of Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy on most new drug products.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but progressive condition characterized by abnormal proliferation and remodeling, vasoconstriction, and thrombosis of the pulmonary vasculature, leading to elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, increases in peripheral vascular resistance, and ultimately to right heart failure and death. Recently, the therapeutic armamentarium for PAH has expanded.

Obesity is a prevalent disease that has reached epidemic proportions in both the developed and developing world. In the United States, it is estimated that 66% of the adult population is overweight or obese. There are several available pharmacologic treatments for obesity used as an adjunct to diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy. However, weight loss with these agents is modest and usually reversible when the drug is discontinued, and novel, more-effective anti-obesity agents are desperately needed.

Recent FDA Approvals (through May 2010) related to Vimovo, CIP-Tramadol ER, Zymaxid, Lumizyme, Rapamune, Sprix

New Molecular Entity: Estradiol valerate/dienogest (Natazia) was approved in May 2010 for the prevention of pregnancy.

Recent FDA action (through, May 2010) related to BMS-224818, Roflumilast, Prostvac, Naltrexone, IL13-PE38QQR/IL13-PE, Prochymal, AEZS-108, SBC-102, Pralatrexate, RG2833

According to the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) and software partner Dymaxium Healthcare Innovations, the AMCP eDossier System is catching on among decision makers and drug companies alike.

New Formulation: Miconazole buccal tablets (Oravig) was approved in April 2010 for the local treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis in adults.

Low-dose oral colchicine is just as effective as high-dose colchicine in reducing pain associated with early acute gout flare, but with a safety profile statistically indistinguishable from placebo, according to a study published in the April issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, the official journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

Anticonvulsant agents have important therapeutic benefits. However, both the healthcare provider and patient need to remain cognizant of associated risks, according to results of a study published in the April 13, 2010, edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Managed Care Pharmacy (FMCP), the educational and philanthropic arm of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), announced the winners in the 10th Annual AMCP/FMCP National Student Pharmacist Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Competition, and FMCP Best Student Pharmacist and Best Resident or Fellow Poster Contests.