Practice setting, other variables determine success of preferred drug sample closet

Beginning in January 2025, Optum Rx will remove from several Humira biosimilars from its formulary, including Hyrimoz (adalimumab-adaz), the unbranded Hyrimoz and Cyltezo (adalimumab-adbm).

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.

The combination of Columvi, gemcitabine and oxaliplatin is the first CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody to show positive results in a randomized diffuse large B-cell lymphoma phase 3 trial. The FDA’s decision is expected by July 20, 2025.

The FDA has accepted a new drug application for aficamten, a new obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy drug. A goal date has been set for Sept. 26, 2025.

Yesintek is the latest Stelara biosimilar to gain FDA approval and it will be available in February 2025.

If granted, Tremfya will be approved to treat children ages six and under with severe plaque psoriasis and children ages five and under with juvenile psoriatic arthritis.