News

This review examines the underlying causes associated with ED and PE and evaluates currently available treatment options and those under investigation.

The new team heading up FDA will be firmly established and eager to implement new policies and programs. Payers, plans, and formulary committees will be watching key trends that will shape drug development and coverage in 2010:

Generic drugs approved by FDA (through January 2010): Nizatidine oral solution in the 15 mg/mL strength

Dabigatran, a new oral direct thrombin inhibitor, given to patients with atrial fibrillation at a dose of 110 mg was associated with rates of stroke and systemic embolism that were similar to those associated with warfarin, as well as lower rates of major hemorrhage.

Recent FDA approvals (through January 2010) related to Cymbalta, Zyprexa, Zyprexa Relprevv, Intelence, Kalbitor, Istodax, Geodon, Vagifem, Seroquel XR, Clonidine ER Suspension, Clonidine ER Tablets, Wilate

Need for public coverage is increasing while state budgets are squeezed even tighter

BCBSA will cross promote with the American Board of Medical Specialties

Don't get caught up in the technology and devices; focus on the workflow and end user

Smoking is the number-one preventable health risk, but quit rates have stalled

Coordination of care helps decrease costs and ensures effect use of resources

Patent expirations are slowing and other tools are needed to manage costs

Tricky regulations stir up questions about what constitutes overpayment and when disclosure is needed

Design policies carefully to attract members shopping around in the individual market. This growing segment is sure to boost enrollment figures in 2010.

Compared to other countries, U.S. patients are more likely to forgo care because of cost

Healthcare market dynamics don't adequately drive quality, but that bubble will eventually burst, according to Francois de Brantes of Bridges to Excellence. Plans need to take more risks and upset the status quo.

Administrative spending supports care coordination, prevention and technology investment

The industry spends trillions each year, and another $1 trillion is needed to fix it

A new says rising obesity rates will continue to be an increasing burden on the health care system over the next decade.

Media coverage and confusion over the guidelines prompted Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of Health and Human Services, to speak up.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Oncology Physician Resource have launched an oncology treatment initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of care for patients with certain types of cancer.

The report notes that workers with employee-only coverage have seen their annual employer contributions decrease, while those with family coverage have seen their annual employer contributions increase.

Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of orphan diseases.

New combination: Telmisartan/amlodipine (Twynsta) was approved on October 16, 2009, for high blood pressure.

Eslicarbazepine acetate (eslicarbazepine, or ESL) is a new antiepileptic agent awaiting FDA approval.

Recent FDA approvals (through December 2009) related to Zirgan, Welchol, Sculptra Aesthetic, Berinert, Crestor, Agriflu, and Byetta.

Generic drugs approved by FDA (through December 2009): Lansoprazole 15 mg and 30 mg tablets and Perindopril erbumine tablets, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg

New indication: Telmisartan tablets (Micardis) was approved on October 19, 2009, for cardiovascular risk reduction for patients unable to take an ACE inhibitor.

Generics makers have aggressively challenged drug patents before scheduled expiration, while brand-name manufacturers have delayed generic entry through 30-month stays, citizen petitions, and deals to "authorize" generic products that are less threatening to the brand.