News

While scientists and biomedical researchers at the recent meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) applauded encouraging data on dozens of breakthrough cancer therapies, analysts pondered strategies for convincing payers to cover the new life-saving drugs.

The rising cost of specialty drugs, challenges with medication adherence, and the utilizations of mail order are among the top trends impacting employers and other health plan sponsors, according to a recent report about prescription benefit management trends.

FDA issued a statement reminding healthcare professionals about the need to adjust the dosage of the antibacterial drug cefepime (Maxipime, Elan) in patients with renal impairment.

A study indicates that new drugs offer real promise to hepatitis C patients.

The current compendia landscape, through constantly in flux, impacts everything from payer approval of off-label use to manufacturer patient access initiatives. Drug compendia, defined as summaries of drug information, affects coverage and reimbursement decisions for pharmaceuticals products, and as a result, it's important for pharmaceitucal manufacturers and healthcare providers to understand the role and impact of compendia off-label uses.

Brad Wilson discusses a new health clinic, created through a unique partnership between BCBSNC and UNC

Outlining future costs for HDHP members would encourage more prevention and care compliance.

How you interpret avoidable hospitalization data depends entirely on your perspective.

Part D program exceeds industry expectations

A study from PwC indicates what lies ahead for the healthcare industry in 2013.

Asthma medications for children must match a child's ability to understand and control treatment of symptoms.

As the motivation for implementing health exchange increases, some states have made little progress.

Private insurers have created novel incentive programs this year to reinforce the practice of primary care.

Medicaid populations might soon be facing additional problems in accessing care

More employers are interested in exploring direct contracting arrangements with providers, according to healthcare experts.

The contraceptive mandate stoked the legal fire of religious groups.

Narrow, high performance networks are making a comeback.

Humana Inc. and Novo Nordisk have announced a 1-year partnership aimed at identifying ways to improve the care and treatment of patients with diabetes.

FDA has approved mirabegron (Myrbetriq, Astellas Pharma US, Inc.) to treat adults with overactive bladder, a condition in which the bladder muscle cannot be controlled, squeezes too often, or squeezes without warning.

Everyone has their take on the Supreme Court ruling, but it's time for the industry to roll up its sleeves and get back to work.

In a complex decision, a slim majority of the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.

FDA has approved lorcaserin (Belviq, Arena Pharmaceuticals and Eisai) as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients who are overweight or obese and have at least 1 weight-related comorbid condition. It is the first prescription weight-loss treatment approved by FDA in 13 years.

Independence Blue Cross is prepared to capitalize on the opportunity

While many awaited the most significant ruling in healthcare history, Medicaid plans remained optimistic that coverage expansion would continue. But there's a caveat.

FDA issued a complete response letter for a New Drug Application for apixaban (Eliquis, Bristol-Myers Squibb) for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

FDA issued a complete response letter regarding a supplemental New Drug Application for rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Janssen Research & Development) for the reduction of the risk of secondary cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy strongly favors the revisions of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) that the US House of Representatives and the US Senate conference committee negotiated earlier this week and the House passed by voice vote on Wednesday.

Label prescribing information for dabigatran (Pradaxa, Boehringer Ingelheim) capsules has been updated to affirm that the 150-mg twice-daily dose is superior to warfarin in reducing ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.