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New Hep C drugs shift treatment plans
Drugs are free of interferon and aim to shorten treatment time
On December 6, FDA approved Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) tablets for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection as a component of a combination antiviral treatment regimen.
Sovaldi is the first drug that has demonstrated safety and efficacy to treat certain types of HCV infection without the need for co-administration of interferon, and is the second drug approved by the FDA in the past two weeks to treat chronic HCV infection. On November 22, the FDA approved Olysio (simeprevir).
“Managed care’s strategy for new entrant, extremely high cost agents to treat hepatitis C such as Sovaldi (sofosbuvir), will include prior authorization, genotype testing, appropriate dose, concomitant therapy and duration of use monitoring. ,” says Ruth Ann Opdycke, Pharm D, MS, president of TPG Healthcare Consulting. “However, for oral products such as this, the more advanced programs will implement or continue to use case management and adherence monitoring programs to assure that the products are taken as prescribed for the full duration of treatment. Regardless of how effective the agents are, the implications of non-compliance will continue to be a barrier to effective treatment.”
The new treatment protocol changes the outlook for patients with chronic HCV, reducing treatment time to as little as 12 weeks, and reducing or eliminating the need for interferon injections. However, patient advocates worry that the price could be unaffordable even with insurance coverage: a 24-week supply is reportedly priced at $84,000. A 20% coinsurance payment at that price would be $16,800 in out-of-pocket costs.
David Calabrese of OptumRx Talks New Role, Market Insulin Prices and Other Topics 'On His Mind'
April 13th 2023In this month’s episode of the "What's On Your Mind podcast," Peter Wehrwein, managing editor of MHE connects with the now Chief Clinical Officer of OptumRx Integrated Pharmacies, David Calabrese. In this conversation, David touches on his transition in January as OptumRx’s former chief pharmacy officer and market president of health plans and PBMs to his new role as Chief Clinical Officer where he now focuses more on things such as specialty pharmacy to home delivery — with an overall goal of creating whole-patient care. Throughout the conversation, Calabrese also touched on the market’s hot topic of insulin prices and behavioral health services within the OptumRx community, among other topics.
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Briana Contreras, editor of Managed Healthcare Executive, spoke with Nancy Lurker, CEO and president of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals. Nancy shared a bit about EyePoint and how the organization’s innovative therapies are addressing patient needs through eye care, and most importantly, she addressed C-Suite positions like the CEO role. Nancy shared advice for those seeking to reach the CEO level, especially toward women in healthcare and other roles, and what it takes to run a biopharma company.
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Florida Gets the OK. But Will Drug Importation from Canada Actually Happen?
March 5th 2024Canadian health officials warn that maintaining a drug supply for Canadians is their priority. The staunch opposition of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry may also be an obstacle to imports from north of the border.
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