Practice

Study Highlights Importance of Limiting Glucocorticoid Use in Biologic-Treated Patients With RA

May 21st 2019

By Allison Inserro

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have similar rates of infection after total knee or hip replacement no matter which biologic they take, but those using glucocorticoids, even moderate doses, appear to have an increased risk of postoperative infections, according to a study published today.

Health Plan Restrictions Likely to Have an Impact on Biosimilars, Orphan Drugs

May 20th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Despite their benefits to patients, innovative treatments, including biologics, come at a high cost to the healthcare system, and those in a position to make coverage decisions for these products must grapple with these therapies’ affordability. During the ISPOR 2019 meeting, researchers presented findings on how health plan restrictions could limit orphan drug coverage—and encourage biosimilar use—as a means to manage their budgets.

Biologics in IBD Linked With Lower Surgery Costs, Corticosteroid Use, and Opioid Use

May 19th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Research presented at this week’s ISPOR 2019 meeting sheds important light on the impact of biologics on the use of other healthcare resources.

FDA Approves New Aflibercept Indication Ahead of Competition

May 17th 2019

By Kelly Davio

The FDA this week approved Regeneron’s aflibercept (Eylea) to treat all stages of diabetic retinopathy. The regulatory decision makes aflibercept the only anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy approved for 2 dosing regimens in this indication: every 8 weeks or every 4 weeks.

Study Finds Fewer Severe Infections With Newer Psoriasis Therapies Versus Methotrexate

May 10th 2019

By Allison Inserro

Patients with psoriasis taking new prescriptions of apremilast, etanercept, and ustekinumab had a decreased rate of serious infection compared with those taking methotrexate, according to an analysis of medical records from 2 large US claims databases.

Eculizumab Shows Positives Results in Cutting Relapses of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

May 9th 2019

By Allison Inserro

A phase 3 trial of eculizumab found the drug reduced the frequency of relapse neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), an autoimmune, inflammatory disorder that typically affects the optic nerves and spinal cord.

As Evidence Base for Biosimilars Grows, So Too Will Confidence in Switching, Review Says

May 7th 2019

By Kelly Davio

Despite potential benefits of biosimilar adoption in terms of both patient access and healthcare system sustainability, and despite ongoing efforts at patient and provider education on biosimilars, stakeholders may continue to have concerns about perceived risks with switching. A new review of the available literature on switching—from randomized controlled trials and real-world evidence—sought to address those concerns, and said that additional education and ongoing real-world evidence collection will be necessary to increasing stakeholder comfort with these agents.

Researchers Report on Advances With Bevacizumab in Treating Eye Disorders

May 5th 2019

By Kelly Davio

During this week’s Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 2019 Annual Meeting, researchers presented new findings on the utility—and the delivery—of bevacizumab in eye disorders.

UK Researchers Hope Adalimumab Will Prove to be Cost Effective in Dupuytren Disease

May 4th 2019

Dupuytren disease (DD), a common, fibroproliferative condition of the hand that can cause contracture of the fingers, currently has no approved treatment for its early stages, and surgical intervention is often required as the disease progresses.

Biosimilar Infliximab, Zessly, Maintains Safety and Efficacy Under Extended In-Use Conditions

May 3rd 2019

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

The authors concluded that the physiochemical and biological analyses demonstrated that the biosimilar is not affected by reconstitution, dilution, and extended storage in infusion bags. These findings, they write, provide added reassurance to healthcare providers that the biosimilar is safe and effective under extended in-use conditions.