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As patient access to electronic medical records takes shape, many questions remain.

CIGNA International will develop and offer individual private medical insurance (PMI) for citizens in countries outside the United States as well as to individual expatriates and high net worth individuals.

A study recently conducted by US Oncology and Aetna found that evidence-based care for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) resulted in an average cost savings of 35% over 12 months while demonstrating equivalent health outcomes.

Currently, exenatide is the only FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist and its use is limited by the need for twice-daily injections. A long-acting release formulation of exenatide is being evaluated in clinical trials to assess effects on glucose control and patient quality of life.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a worldwide health concern associated with significant complications including fracture, disability, and mortality. The economic burden of this disease is substantial and is expected to increase significantly as the population ages. It is becoming increasingly important to identify patients who will benefit from available and emerging therapies for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis.

Agents in late-stage development for renal disease

Recent FDA action (through February 2010) related to Ceftobiprole, Carglumic acid, Miglustat, Nebivolol, Myocet, Pirfenidone, Davunetide, BiovaxID, EpiCept, CP-4126

In less than 1 full year at the helm of FDA, Margaret (Peggy) Hamburg has worked to reposition FDA as a public health agency able to ensure the safety and quality of the nation's food supply and medical products.

Recent FDA approvals (through February 2010) related to Ampyra, Victoza, Actemra, Tropazone, Morphine sulfate oral solution, Fluzone High-Dose

Therapeutic strategies involving early conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or early biologics are preferred in treating very early rheumatoid arthritis, but the additional costs of early biologics may not be justified for all patients, according to a recent study reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

New molecular entity: Vigabatrin (Sabril) was approved as an adjunctive treatment of refractory complex partial seizures in adults who have responded inadequately to several alternative treatments; and as monotherapy for pediatric patients with infantile spasms.

Generic drugs approved by FDA (through February 2010): Donepezil hydrochloride orally disintegrating tablets, Ibutilide fumarate injection, Risperidone orally disintegrating tablets in 0.5-mg, 2-mg, 3-mg, and 4-mg strengths

A dosage of losartan of 150 mg/day is superior to 50 mg/day for the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Lenalidomide plus high-dose dexamethasone compared with lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone did not result in superior time to progression, progression-free survival, or overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed myeloma, according to a recent trial.

Extended-release niacin proved better than ezetimibe in favorably changing carotid intima-media thickness, a measure of atherosclerosis, in high-risk patients who were already receiving a statin.

New molecular entity: Ecallantide (Kalbitor) was approved in December 2009, to treat hereditary angioedema (HAE).

Middle-aged (35 to 54 years) women are gaining ground on their male counterparts in their prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) and their cardiovascular risk factor scores, according to an examination of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) over time.

Kasier Permanente is concerned that its physicians will be cut out of FDA programs

Here's a case where the payers were willing to talk, but the hospitals weren't

Insurers are no longer shy about letting members comment on care experiences

Poor adherence is the most common cause of treatment failure. Months of treatment and observation produces improvement

Clinic openings slowed from 350% growth in 2007 to 30% in 2008

Several public health threats prompted a new but underfunded plan

More specialty drugs means more management of patient needs and more cooperation

Economic drivers likely the cause of slowdowns in healthcare spending, but the general cost curve remains unsustainable

Medication adherence is the common goal of many stakeholders. Pharma is willing to help.

Everyone assumes the waste is caused by payers-think again! Administration might cost a few bucks, but it provides downstream benefits.

A panel of experts offers insight into experiences and future promise for the patient-centered medical home model