Formulary Watch |

The vaccines advisory committee voted late on Friday, September 17, 2021, to provide emergency authorization of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as a booster for those over the age of 65, as well as for those at high risk of developing severe disease.

To date, Pfizer has not received reports of adverse events related to this recall, but is making the move as a precaution.

The combination of bamlanivimab/etesevimab can now be given to both treat and prevent COVID-19 infection after exposure.

Regeneron also announced an expanded contract with the U.S. government for the purchase of additional doses of REGEN-COV.

Takeda Oncology’s Exkivity treats non-small lung cancer in patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. This is the second approval for this mutation and the first oral therapy.

The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of April 30, 2022.

Alinia and Sutent have been removed from the drug lists because of the introduction of generic therapies.

The affected lots of this rare disease therapy have been contaminated with yeast, mold, and bacteria, which could lead to life-threatening infections.

Jardiance demonstrated a 21% relative risk reduction for the composite primary endpoint of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure.

Officials with OptumRx predict four new therapies that are expected to an impact on patients and on the market.

Point32Health is the name of the not-for-profit health care organization formed by the merger of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan.

Investigators found patients with COPD taking Anoro Ellipta had low overall on-treatment exacerbation rates, which can reduce medical costs due to increased adherence to therapy.

Investigators find there is strong adherence soon after patients fill prescriptions but less consistent use after initial treatment.

ICER’s updated analysis uses observational, real-world data for three therapies — Takhzyro, Haegarda, and Cinryze.

The therapy, to be launched in October, is delivered quickly to the bloodstream by targeting the upper nasal space.

The CDC and the FDA have updated their recommendations for the 2021-2022 flu season.

The FDA’s review of the JAK inhibitor class concluded there is an increased risk of serious heart-related events such as heart attack or stroke, cancer, blood clots, and death with these arthritis and ulcerative colitis medicines.

Pharmacists are referring patients elsewhere or are shifting patients who were using the IV form to the subcutaneous injection. The NIH has also recommended using Kevzara as an alternative where there are shortages of Actemra.