Drug Topics - December 17, 2007 - (Page 16)

16 DRUG TOPICS DECEMBER 17, 2007 www.drugtopics.com NEWS Roundup ARB gets supplemental nod for pediatric hypertension Novartis has received word from the FDA that a supplemental application for angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan (Diovan) has been approved that will permit the drug be used to treat pediatric hypertension in patients six to 16 years old. The tablets were previously approved for use in adults for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, and to reduce cardiovascular mortality in post-myocardial infarction patients. Low-cost Part D plans available to low-income members According to an analysis from research firm HealthMetrix, 23 Medicare Part D Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans offer $0 monthly premiums and $0 deductibles with some coverage in the doughnuthole gap in coverage. The catch is that the plans are available only in specific regions and only to low-income subsidized beneficiaries. HealthMetrix examined more than 400 programs and noted that most beneficiaries will see premiums increase by 17% for the 2008 plans. Most low-income-subsidized beneficiaries are randomly assigned plans by CMS, rather than assigned to programs that best fit their needs, a process that has sparked criticism. Community Practice Patients support tech certification and training A survey commissioned by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board reveals widespread misperceptions about the training and regulation of pharmacy technicians. In the survey of 1,010 Americans, 91% indicated that they support strong regulations to require pharmacy techs to be trained and certified. The study also highlighted several misperceptions about the role of technicians in pharmacies, with 58% believing that only licensed pharmacists are involved in dispensing drug prescriptions. In addition, 45% of respondents indicated that people without formal training were not allowed to help pharmacists prepare prescriptions. The respondents were contacted by telephone by Opinion Research between Nov. 16 and Nov. 19. There was a sampling error of plus or minus 3%, with 95% confidence. NCPA, PCMA spar over prompt pay The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association released a study that claims that pending prompt-pay legislation would cost the Medicare Part D program and beneficiaries at least $3.1 billion over the next decade. In response, NCPA issued a statement disputing the numbers and calling the study “desperate” and insisting it “undermines what little credibility the PBM industry ever had.” The study was conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers. At issue is pending prompt-pay legislation in the House and Senate that would mandate PBMs pay pharmacies within 14 days for electronic submissions and 30 days for all other Medicare Part D claims. Currently, the House version has 222 cosponsors and the Senate bill has 21. Report: Networked medical sensors to aid millions of seniors by 2012 By 2012, more than 3.4 million U.S. senior citizens will be using networked sensor applications in their homes to help monitor and improve their health, according to Parks Associates’ report, “Sensor Technology for Home Health Applications.” The report states that innovations in sensor technologies will make these devices lighter, smarter, and more reliable, driving adoption for homebased medical applications over the next five years. Parks Associates cautions that these applications must win consumers’ trust and gain recognition in multiple industry sectors, from caregivers to insurers, in order to realize their full potential. Parks Associates is an internationally recognized market research and consulting company specializing in emerging consumer technology products and services. For more information, visit www.digitalhealthnews.com. Study says: Consumers accept behindthe-counter drugs Two-thirds of Americans believe the FDA should make certain drugs obtainable without a prescription, but only after consultation with a pharmacist, according to a new study by Leo J. Shapiro & Associates. With the FDA currently exploring the public health benefit to consumers of a “behind-the-counter” (BTC) class of drugs, the results of the study show a majority (67%) of consumers are attracted by the convenience and access to their medication BTC, even if insurance doesn’t cover the cost. The study of 450 households was conducted in November by telephone. Leo Shapiro is a marketing firm that specializes in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. For more information, visit www.ljs.com. http://www.drugtopics.com http://www.digitalhealthnews.com http://www.ljs.com

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Drug Topics - December 17, 2007 Contents Noncompete Clause: Help or Hindrance? Don't Overlook Feminine Care and Family Planning Independent Pharmacies Are Dreaming of a Green Christmas Latest News Roundup

Drug Topics - December 17, 2007

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