News

Apixaban (Eliquis), an investigational anticoagulant developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, has lower rates of stroke, systemic embolism, and bleeding than warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation, regardless of level of risk for these events, according a recent online analysis published October 2 in The Lancet.

Paliperidone palmitate (Invega Sustenna), a monthly extended-release injectable suspension atypical antipsychotic for the treatment of schizophrenia, has a new updated product label that describes greater flexibility and dosing options for healthcare providers as well as additional warnings and precautions, according to its manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

A recent study indicates that hospitals can reduce readmission rates if they work on medication reconciliation.

In the quest to adopt personalized medicine approaches, optimizing antiplatelet therapy based on platelet function testing is controversial.

Tofacitinib is a novel JAK inhibitor, selective for JAK 1 and JAK 3.

Recent FDA action (through September 2012) related to, Lymphoseek, technetium Tc 99m tilmanocept, Tobramycin inhalation powder, Lixivaptan, CRTX 080, ALV003, AB103, Atox Bio

Recent FDA Approvals (through August 2012) related to (Innocutise, Genzyme, Sanofi, Pfizer, Amgen, Astellas Pharma US, Medivation, Gilead Sciences, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Forest, Reckitt Benckiser, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Sicor Biotech UAB, Teva Corporation, Novartis)

New molecular entity: FDA approved the combination of sodium picosulfate (a stimulant laxative) and magnesium oxide and anhydrous citric acid (which form magnesium citrate, an osmotic laxative) (Prepopik, Ferring Pharmaceuticals) for cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system targets synovial joints and causes mild-to-severe joint disease with extra-articular manifestations. This review discusses the current standards of care and details the data being collected on new agents.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is making it easier for pharmacists and healthcare professionals to look up drug information by launching an online scientific resource tool.

Surveyed readers indicate that Medicare and Medicaid will be 2013's big winners

Standard identifiers might help plans reduce the number of duplicate claims.

A look at the PPACA Medicaid expansion shows how politics are going to shape it.

Plans can help reduce prescription drug abuse by advocating appropriate use.

A look at the highly controversial individual mandate portion of PPACA indicates that many people won't purchase insurance unless the penalty/tax is more expensive.

Clarity is needed from HHS on exchanges and penalties under reform requirements.

Review the five core antitrust principles of health insurance mergers.

A look at the effect that PPACA will have on part-time employees.

As the 2012 President Election nears, the candidates focus on Medicare and PPACA.

Looking at the next several years, administrative services only agreements appear to be the most profitable line of business.

A look at ACOs indicates that success will depend on managing risks and choosing the best possible partners.

Dual eligibles are a key population in healthcare and can be an area of important growth, but success is not guaranteed.

The decision of whether or not to expand Medicaid might seem like a cut-and-dried issue, but a closer look indicates that the issue isn't s simple.

As the market has reduced its emphasis on employer benefits, insurers need to focus on why consumers choose specific plans.

A balance between security and functionality is needed to drive mHealth.

Medical organizations take DNA patent claims to the Supreme Court to determine eligibility.

Payers see a balance of power when it comes to rate negotiations.

MA plans can use multiple data tools to improve predictive-modeling expertise.