Raptiva (Efalizumab)

It could improve access to community pharmacies and lower prices. Or it will limit access to critical drugs and impact payers’ ability to contract for a broad range of services. Industry leaders are unsure about the impact of Arkansas’ law banning PBMs from owning pharmacies.

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 FDA has accepted the new drug application for the antipsychotic Bysanti and set a goal date for February 21, 2026.

Express Scripts, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, CVS Caremark and Optum Rx are among the payers that have added Yesintek to their formularies.

A study found that while patients with atopic dermatitis often turn to social media for skincare advice, their decisions are most influenced by healthcare professionals, personal experience, and disease severity.

If approved, Wegovy would be the first oral GLP-1 drug to treat obesity.