Survey

With several proton pump inhibitors now available OTC, what do you believe is the most appropriate coverage for this class of agents within managed care drug benefit programs?

1) No coverage should be provided for OTC or prescription products under the drug benefit.

2) Coverage of prescription products only under the drug benefit without restriction.

3) Coverage of prescription products only under the drug benefits with restrictions (eg, step therapy).

4) Coverage of both prescription and OTC products under the drug benefit without restriction.

5) Coverage of both prescription and OTC products under the drug benefit with restriction (eg, step therapy).

Digital Edition

Accountable care organization rules
to debut in July

Deaths in Pfizer arthritis trial under microscope

Gefitinib appropriate first-line agent
for certain lung cancers

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Results of a meta-analysis confirm that gefitinib is an effective first-line therapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations. Read full article.

FDA reviews safety of drospirenone
for increased DVT, PE risk

FDA is assessing new information indicating an association between birth control pills containing the progestin hormone drospirenone and an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus. Read full article.

Drug products recalled for possible penicillin cross-contamination

Aidapak Services has issued a voluntary recall of a large number of repackaged drug products after learning of the potential cross contamination of non-penicillin with penicillin drug products repackaged in the same facility. Read full article.

Angiotensin receptor blockers do not increase risk of cancer, FDA finds

Angiotensin receptor blockers do not increase the risk of developing cancer in patients using the medications, FDA announced recently after a safety review. Read full article.

BUD/FORM maintenance and reliever therapy effective asthma control

Budesonide/Formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy is an effective option for patients requiring treatment adjustments across Steps 2 to 4 of the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, according to the results of a study published online, June 2 in Respiratory Research. Read full article.

CDER to transition Office of Compliance to Super Office

The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research recently announced that it will elevate the Office of Compliance to a Super Office to continue to ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of drugs in America, according to a memo from CDER Director Janet Woodcock. Read full article.

Top 5 Web Stories

1. FDA Pipeline Preview, May 2011 (Eli Lilly, Vertex, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Nile Therapeutics, Provectus)
   
   
2. FDA Actions in Brief May 2011 (Actemra, Menactra, Zytiga, Rituxan, Invega, Vandetanib, Viramune XR, Horizant)
   
   
3. A review of systemic lupus erythematosus and current treatment options
   
   
4. Bazedoxifene: An investigational selective estrogen receptor modulator for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
   
   
5. FDA, NIH, pharma companies seek new strategies to spur drug development