STAT+: Pharmalittle: PBMs are targeted in yet another congressional bill; access to new Alzheimer’s drug may not happen quickly
Expanded access to a new Alzheimer’s drug is unlikely to happen quickly even if the FDA decides follow-up studies confirm the drug helps slow the disease.
Rise and shine, another busy day is on the way. However, this is also shaping up as a beautiful day as well, given the clear and sunny skies — and delicious breezes — enveloping the Pharmalot campus this morning. This calls for celebration with a cup of stimulation, and we are opening a new package of salted caramel mocha for the occasion. We can practically taste the Jersey shore. Meanwhile, our ever-growing to-do list requires attention. Sound familiar? So, here are some items of interest. Have a great day and hope you conquer the world, everyone …
Coherus BioSciences agreed to resolve a dispute over its plans to launch a lower-priced version of AbbVie’s Humira rheumatoid arthritis drug, Reuters writes. Earlier this month, Coherus said it will launch a biosimilar version of the drug at an 85% discount to the $6,922 list price and partnered with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company to sell it at $569.27. AbbVie alleged it breached an older deal granting Coherus a non-exclusive license to commercialize a biosimilar version in the U.S. as of July 1. AbbVie will not terminate the initial licensing deal based on its notice. It would have to serve another notice and give Coherus time to resolve the breach if it chooses to end the deal.
Expanded access to the Alzheimer’s drug from Eisai and Biogen is unlikely to happen quickly even if the Food and Drug Administration decides follow-up studies confirm the drug helps slow the disease, Bloomberg News explains. Medicare said that “broader” coverage would begin “on the same day the FDA grants traditional approval.” But patients, doctors, and analysts are all doubtful, citing the limited information publicized by the agency on how the registry will work. For the registry to succeed, it must be easy for prescribers to use, they argue. Researchers and others also will need real-time data to show whether the drug is beneficial and safe, they added.
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