Adalimumab is the newest addition to a class of medications called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) inhibitors. Adalimumab (Humira, Abbott) is the first fully human monoclonal antibody approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, distinguishing it from the other TNF inhibitors. FDA approval was received in December 2002, which was earlier than expected, based on clinical trial results that demonstrated a slowed progression of joint damage in addition to an improved quality of life in adalimumab-treated RA patients. Adalimumab has been found to be effective when used alone or in combination with methotrexate and/or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Existing TNF inhibitors for RA are associated with inconvenient or complicated dosing schedules. Adalimumab offers patients the convenience of an infrequent dosing schedule. In the absence of clinical trials directly comparing adalimumab with other biologic therapies, choice will largely depend on patient factors. Pricing information places adalimumab in line with its competitors.
David Calabrese of OptumRx Talks Top Three Drugs in Pipeline, Industry Trends in Q2
July 1st 2020In this week's episode of Tuning Into The C-Suite podcast, MHE's Briana Contreras chatted with David Calabrese, R.Ph, MHP, who is senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer of pharmacy care services company, OptumRx. David is also a member of Managed Healthcare Executives’ Editorial Advisory Board. During the discussion, he shared the OptumRx Quarter 2 Drug Pipeline Insights Report of 2020. Some of the information shared includes the three notable drugs currently being reviewed or those that have been recently approved by the FDA. Also discussed were any interesting industry trends to watch for.
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