New medications for rheumatoid arthritis are effective but expensive

In a recent discussion with Managed Healthcare Executive, three leading dermatologists and itch experts—Shawn Kwatra, M.D., Brian Kim, M.D., and Gil Yosipovitch, M.D.—shared where the science is going, what’s holding it back and how the healthcare system can better support patients.

In 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.

A Q&A between Shawn Kwatra, M.D., professor and chair of dermatology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Managed Healthcare Executive about new discoveries in chronic itch, how treatment options are improving and the challenges patients face in getting access to the right therapies.

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.

A break from treatment with Vtama won’t lead to worsening of patients’ atopic dermatitis, finds a new analysis of an open-label study.

A protein called NF-kB c-Rel has been found to intensify the symptoms of psoriasis, offering a potential new target for treatments.