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In this second part of a two-part video series, Bronwyn Spira of Force Therapeutics talked to Managed Healthcare Executive about CMS' new CPT codes that were introduced in 2022. These codes help more patients in underserved populations receive better access to care as barriers like cost and transportation are removed through remote care.

The FDA has approved Kevzara for an inflammatory rheumatic disease and Skyclarys, the first therapy for rare neuromuscular disease. The agency set an action date for Opdivo for melanoma indication. An advisory committee has supported Pfizer’s RSV vaccine, and Janssen has submitted an NDA for combo tablet for metastatic prostate cancer.

Bronwyn Spira of Force Therapeutics talked to Managed Healthcare Executive about CMS' new CPT codes that were introduced in 2022. These codes focus on musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions and the data collected from patients affected. According to Spira, these codes help more patients in underserved populations receive better access to care as barriers like cost and transportation are removed through remote care.

The FDA approved several new therapies this week, including a weekly hemophilia A treatment, an extended-release version of Austedo, and the first drug for geographic atrophy due to AMD, as well as an accelerated approval to Filspari for rare kidney disease. The agency also indicated it will hold an advisory committee meeting on Onpattro for heart failure indication, granted priority review for Pfizer’s RSV vaccine and for a life-threatening hereditary immune disease, and also set goal date for blurry vision therapy.

Cuban, of "Shark Tank' fame and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, called drugs prices ‘insane’ and used some profanity when talking pharmacy benefit managers at the annual meeting of the Association for Accessible Medicines yesterday. Cuban has co-founded an online pharmacy that he says will make drug prices lower and transparent.

The FDA has approved two pediatric indications this week: Takhyzro for hereditary angioedema and Eylea for retinopathy of prematurity. The agency expanded the label of Cibinqo for atopic dermatitis in adolescents, and granted full approval to Jemperli for endometrial cancer. Additionally, the agency has set PDUFA dates for two drugs: reproxalap for dry eye and zuranolone for depression.

Our guest on this month’s episode of the “What's on Your Mind” podcast is Margaret Murray, M.P.A., founding CEO of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) and a longtime member of Managed Healthcare Executive® editorial advisory board. Murray is an expert on Medicaid and healthcare policies that affect people with low incomes. In the interview with Managing Editor of MHE, Peter Wehrwein, she discusses ACAP’s growth and its legislative wins, Medicaid redetermination, “junk insurance,” and state Medicaid programs carving out pharmacy benefits.