Biotechnology Healthcare - September/October 2008 - (Page 34)

What’s New on PTcommunity.com? Formulary Kits Visit PTcommunity.com and review the latest formulary kits, including: • Arimidex (anastrozole) • Aromasin (exemestane tablets) • Boniva (ibandronate sodium) • Campral (acamprosate calcium) • Eraxis (anidulafungin IV) • Faslodex (fulvestrant injection) • Fosrenol (lanthanum carbonate) • Gelclair (bioadherent oral gel) • Lexapro(escitalopram oxalate) • Lialda (mesalamine) • Namenda (memantine HCl) • Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) • Revlimid (lenalidomide) • Tev-Tropin [somatropin (rDNA) for injection] • Vaprisol (conivaptan hydrochloride injection) • Veramyst (fluticasone furoate) need to create alignment and to balance cost and clinical outcomes in the treatment of MS effectively through a comprehensive therapy optimization program. Such a program, he says, “should contain the essential elements of managing MS symptoms, relapses, disability changes, depression, compliance, preventive care, reimbursement assistance, and communication. There is certainly sufficient evidence-based medicine available to manage resources effectively and to slow down MS disease progression.” Neurologists surveyed were enthusiastic about this type of program, offering several suggestions for its development: • Involve neurologists in the development of the program • Make it noncommercial and assess the motive of its sponsor • Include a role for case managers • Include people who are knowledgeable about reimbursement issues Physicians’ interest in such a program is not surprising, given that more than 90 percent of patients said they rely on their neurologists for more than just treatment — they look to their doctors for assistance obtaining medications and education about their conditions. Therefore, the more an MCO understands MS, the greater its ability to help neurologists stay up to date on research and treatment options. “Surveys such as this one may provide needed information about the way MS is managed,” says Ben Thrower, MD, medical director for Shepherd MS Institute, in Atlanta. “Understanding the trends in community MS care and the potential challenges may help MS centers, specialty pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and MCOs partner more effectively to provide optimal comprehensive medical management of the person with MS.” Mari Edlin, a long-time freelance writer who specializes in healthcare, resides in Sonoma, Calif. P&T Digest These peer-reviewed publications provide health care providers with up-to-date information about the most efficacious and cost-effective medical treatments. Features and Resources Subscribers have access to the Triple i Drug Database (an online resource for reliable clinical drug information), P&T Clinical Briefs, and hospital pharmacy benchmarking forms. Product Profilers • Revlimid • Remicade For a copy of the Multiple Sclerosis Report: Perspectives from Managed Care, Providers and Patients, visit «www.mstrendreport.com». 34 BIOTECHNOLOGY HEALTHCARE · SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 http://www.PTcommunity.com http://www.PTcommunity.com http://www.mstrendreport.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Biotechnology Healthcare - September/October 2008

Biotechnology Healthcare - September/October 2008 Openers Editorial/David B. Nash, MD, MBA Contents At a Glance: Multiple Sclerosis Drug Track Personalized Medicine Healthcare Reform’s Effects on Biologic Access Breast Cancer Status Testing: A Crapshoot With Deadly Odds Trends, Issues, and Perspectives In the Management of MS So High-Tech, Yet So Simple The Evolution of Ascertaining the Value Proposition Specialty Pharmacy Employer to Employer Health Plan Confidential Trends

Biotechnology Healthcare - September/October 2008

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