News

New molecular entity: Fesoterodine (Toviaz), a muscarinic receptor antagonist, was approved on October 31, 2008, for the treatment of overactive bladder

Second-generation antidepressants generally have equivalent efficacy, according to a review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Although these agents demonstrate similar response rates, differences in onset of action or side effects may affect prescribing decisions.

Treatment with bevacizumab is associated with a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism, according to a meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

During his campaign for the presidency, President-elect Barack Obama stated that all Americans have a right to healthcare and that he will expand coverage for the uninsured. Many voters cited healthcare as a key election issue; however, the need to address a rising unemployment rate and low economic growth may force Obama to seek more limited changes in the near future.

Among the new data presented at the 2008 AHA Scientific Sessions were the results of JUPITER, as well as a phase 2 study of rivaroxaban and an observational study of DES versus BMS in diabetics.

Recent FDA action (through December 2008) related to denileukin, ferumoxytol, cetuximab, HQK-1001, ALD-101, NTX-010, and RTA 402

Generic drugs approved by FDA (through December 2008) including levetiracetam tablets, dorzolamide/timolol ophthalmic solution, and dorzolamide ophthalmic solution

Recent FDA approvals (through December 2008) related to Kogenate FS, Treanda, Prezista, Seroquel XR, Apriso, Precedex, Reyataz, Vaprisol, LoSeasonique, Astepro, Apidra, Risperdal Consta, Stalevo, Akten, Taxus, and Ontak.

New biologic: C1 inhibitor (human) (Cinryze) was approved on October 10, 2008, for routine prophylaxis against angioedema attacks in adolescent and adult patients with hereditary angioedema

New molecular entity: Lacosamide (Vimpat), an antiepileptic drug, was approved on October 28, 2008, as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy aged 17 years or older

New molecular entity: Silodosin (Rapaflo), an alpha-blocker, was approved on October 8, 2008, for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH

In 2003, the Canadian Forces (CF) drug benefit plan used preferential listing to control costs associated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs); however, significant expenditures for nonbenefit PPIs continued. A database review was thus conducted to explain this anomalous usage pattern. This study provides further information regarding the effectiveness of preferred listing as a cost-saving measure, noting that adherence to such policies may be less than projected.

Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Because of their physical size, obese patients often cannot use standard wheelchairs, waiting-room armchairs, blood pressure cuffs, hospital beds and gowns, or M.R.I. and CAT scan machines.

In the past year, more employers asked for benefit plans that cover medical care overseas in order to rein in costs.

President-elect Obama selects former Senate majority leader Tom Daschle as HHS secretary

The ability of health information exchanges to sustain themselves is questionable, so they must show that their data is worthy enough to outweigh the costs.

Ambitious new efforts to expand healthcare coverage may be ruled out in the near future.

Putting lab results into EHRs will clearly enrich data. However, CLIA and state laws pose a barrier that should be reconsidered.

PPIs and H2 -receptor blockers are standard treatment for peptic ulcers and GERD, but lifestyle changes and OTC products can help

The ability of health information exchanges to sustain themselves is questionable, so they must show that their data is worthy enough to outweigh the costs.

Health coverage is typically gender-balanced, but in some states, women are paying higher premiums that simply cannot be justified actuarially, according women's groups and some Congressional leaders.

Commonwealth Fund State Performance Ranking 2007: 8

CMS will begin demonstration projects to further test the promise of P4P by bundling payments for certain services as single case-rates

Triple-S hopes to leverage its local market success in Puerto Rico to gain new business within the United States' growing Hispanic population

Payers miss opportunities to reduce costs during times of transition between levels of care for hospitalized patients

Managed healthcare executives should take a new look at diagnosis decision support, which is less expensive than EMRs

In the midst of current financial turmoil, the industry entrusted with the greatest accumulation of funds is the insurance industry. MCOs and HMOs should expect greater scrutiny of their finances.

If MAC lists were not in place, prices for drugs would vary dramatically. Discounts for generic drugs would also decrease significantly.

Some green goals are consistent with functional requirements of the healthcare facility, but others may require trade-offs, including possible compromises on the project budget and schedule