Higher-dose rofecoxib linked to 3x greater risk of acute cardiac events compared to other NSAIDs

Nucula’s new indication is as an add-on therapy for patients with COPD who also have an elevated blood eosinophil count.

In 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.

Health plan sponsors are also expected to see a reduction in the net cost per prescription of GLP-1 medications to treat obesity.

Bayer’s Jivi is a factor VIII replacement therapy that has been engineered with a compound that allows for less frequent dosing. It is now indicated for patients 7 years of age and older.

Zynyz is now FDA-approved as the first and only approved first line treatment for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.

A new law in Iowa, if signed by the governor, will mandate 100% pass-through of rebates, increased financial transparency, and a minimal payment for pharmacies. Critics say it will be the most costly mandate in the state’s history.