[BLOG]: Promising late-stage melanoma pipeline to evolve treatment algorithm

Melanoma presents the oncology field with some of its greatest challenges and opportunities, but an influx of novel drugs into the pipeline has transformed this previously stagnant market and dramatically improved treatment options for patients. Treatment algorithms have shifted toward more-targeted treatments for specific patient subsets. Evidence from the late-stage pipeline indicates that this trend is set to continue. » Developments in molecular biology have helped shore up the melanoma pipeline

AHA: Rivaroxaban beats warfarin on in- and out-patient metrics for patients with nonvalvular afib

Once-daily rivaroxaban (Xartelto, Janssen) is associated with significantly fewer hospitalization days and outpatient visits compared to warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), according to data presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) 2014 Scientific Sessions in Chicago. » Details here

Continuing Education

MTM essentials for weight management

This month's CE activity is part of a year-long CPE series, Medication Therapy Management Considerations for Adult Patients with Cardiovascular Disease. From February 2014 through January 2015, pharmacists can earn up to 24 hours of CPE credit with 12 monthly knowledge-based activities from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and Drug Topics.

The goal of this month's activity is to educate pharmacists about the prevalence, health consequences, and nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options for obesity, with a focus on the recommendations made in the 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS guideline for the management of overweight and obesity in adults.

To read and print the article with TEST QUESTIONS, click here. To proceed to the online exam and earn up to 2 CPE credits, click here to log in with the session code 14DT12-FKX42.

Announcement: Our CE activities have moved to a new learning management system to better serve you. The login to the Online CE Center is https://web2.uconn.edu/pharmacyce/login.php. All current user registration information has been uploaded for your convenience. Current users do not need to register. To review your registration page to ensure the data is up to date or to register, go to https://web2.uconn.edu/pharmacyce/program_register.php. For a full list of courses, go to http://pharmacy.uconn.edu/academics/ce/drug-topics-and-uconn-ce/

Drugs in Perspective: Myalept (metreleptin)

Myalept (metreleptin) is a leptin analogue with the same physiologic effects as leptin. Metreleptin was granted a priority review and was FDA approved on February 25, 2014, as an adjunct to diet as replacement therapy to treat the complications of leptin deficiency in patients with congenital or acquired lipodystrophy. » Dosing and cost information

• FDA approves Keytruda for advanced melanoma

• Rivaroxaban associated with lower inpatient costs compared to warfarin among NVAF patients

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