Survey

With the evolution of the medical home and ACO models of healthcare delivery, what do you see as the most essential means by which pharmacy departments can support the success of such models?

a) More active direct patient outreach, education, and consultation.

b) Enhanced provider education and drug info support.

c) Improved ability to deliver more timely and actionable patient-specific drug alerts to PCPs/care managers.

d) Enhanced mechanisms to monitor and improve patient compliance.

e) More advanced analytics to better risk stratify patients for intervention need.

f) More timely and robust reporting to measure pharmacy-specific quality performance metrics.

Digital Edition

Methylene blue linked to serious
CNS reactions

Poor glycemic control linked
to potential risk for heart failure

IOM report recommends 8 preventive women's health services

A new report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that 8 preventive health services for women be added to the services that health plans will cover at no cost to patients under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA). Read full article.

Novartis reports phase 3 results
of Afinitor study

More than one-third of patients treated with everolimus (Afinitor) tablets had a 50% or greater reduction in the size of non-cancerous brain tumors associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) versus 0% who were treated with placebo, according to a company statement from the drug's manufacturer Novartis. Read full article.

PriCara, Ortho-McNeil now named Janssen Pharmaceuticals

PriCara and Ortho-McNeil, divisions of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, will operate under the name Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the family of companies announced this week. Read full article.

First pharmacist-focused session coming to AHA Scientific Sessions 2011

Over the past 3 decades, pharmacists have become integrated members of multidisciplinary teams. To recognize the value of the role of pharmacists in improving patient outcomes and safety in cardiac care, the American Heart Association (AHA) will offer pharmacists a session focused specifically on them at this year's AHA Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Fla. Read full article.

Transcept receives CRL from FDA
for low-dose zolpidem tartrate formulation

FDA has issued a Complete Response Letter (CRL) for Intermezzo (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet, Transcept Pharmaceuticals). Read full article.

FDA approves subcutaneous formulation of abatacept for treatment of RA

FDA has approved a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of abatacept (Orencia, Bristol-Myers Squibb) for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is the first biologic available in both SC and intravenous (IV) formulations for the treatment of RA. Read full article.

FDA postpones new Prevnar ruling
to January 2012

FDA has issued a 90-day extension of the action date for Pfizer's Prevnar 13 (Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine [Diphtheria CRM₁₉₇ Protein]) in adults 50 years of age and older. Read full article.