Reading this on a mobile device? Try our optimized mobile version here: http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/eebxCfbwoceXlLvxdKku

January 2, 2013
Sign upForwardArchive
News for the PBM Industry

  Featured Story 
  • Generic opioids gain momentum against brand-name drugmakers
    Brand-name drugmakers behind the narcotic painkillers Opana and OxyContin appear to be losing their bid to prevent the introduction of the drugs' cheaper generic versions. "We understand the value in developing appropriate abuse-resistant technology, and we want to find a way of incentivizing that," said Dr. Douglas Throckmorton of the FDA. "But we also understand the value of generics for patients." The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (1/1)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
 Registration is now open for PCMA's Managed Markets Educational Forum!
Whether you are a seasoned managed markets executive or someone who supports the team, PCMA's Managed Markets Educational Forum will provide valuable education on fundamental, as well as complex and strategic issues relevant to professionals of all levels within pharma managed markets or market access divisions. Visit PCMA's website to learn more about our 2013 events!		 

  Legislative & Regulatory News 
  • Employers weigh health insurance options
    Employers must decide whether to continue offering health insurance to their employees or pay a penalty and have workers find their own coverage through exchanges. The Affordable Care Act requires employers with 50 or more employees to offer health insurance for full-time workers beginning in 2014. The Wall Street Journal (1/1)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
  • Doctor-patient communication plays role in drug adherence
    Doctors who establish a good, trusting relationship with patients may be able to help improve adherence to prescriptions, a study in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests. Data on 9,377 patients using blood glucose, blood pressure or cholesterol drugs showed 30% may not have been following prescribed directions for medication use, but that number fell 4% to 6% among patients who reported having better communication with their physicians. Modern Healthcare (subscription required) (12/31)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
  PBM Industry News 
  Drug Industry Spotlight 
  • Differences between branded drugs, generics may reduce adherence
    Differences in color and shape between branded drugs and their generic counterparts may be connected with prescription nonadherence, according to a controlled study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. "Changes between generic products with different physical characteristics may cause confusion and result in reduced adherence or prescription error," researchers wrote. "... Taking steps to permit (or even require) similarity in pill appearance among bioequivalent brand-name and generic drugs may offer another way to achieve better patient adherence to essential medication regimens." Medscape (free registration) (12/31)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
  • Mylan receives FDA nod for generic seizure drug
    The FDA has granted Mylan Pharmaceuticals approval for its chewable phenytoin tablets in 50 mg strength to address seizures, including during and after neurosurgery. The drug is a generic formulation of Pfizer's Dilantin tablets. Drug Store News (12/28)  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email this Story
  SmartQuote 
Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them."
--Rose Kennedy,
American philanthropist

 LinkedIn Facebook Twitter

 
 
Subscriber Tools
     
Print friendly format | Web version | Search past news | Archive | Privacy policy

 
Contact PCMA
Charles Cote
Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications
(202) 207-3610

Twitter  Follow PCMA on Twitter
 
About PCMA
PCMA is the national association representing America's pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which administer prescription drug plans for more than 210 million Americans with health coverage provided through Fortune 500 employers, health insurance plans, labor unions, and Medicare Part D. PCMA is dedicated to enhancing the proven tools and techniques pioneered by PBMs that generate savings and access for consumers and payors.

 
 Recent PCMA SmartBrief Issues:   Lead Editor:  Melissa Turner
     
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004		 
 
© 1999-2013 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information