January 1 RxAdvocate December, 2023 — Newsletter
December Stories:
- FDA Approves First Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease
- December National Health Observance
- Employee Spotlight
- Community Involvement
On December 8, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first two cell-based gene therapies for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD), Casgevy and Lyfgenia. Sickle cell disease is a rare life-threatening blood disorder affecting 100,000 people in the U.S. It is most common in African Americans and while less prevalent, also affects Hispanic Americans.
Both therapies in clinical trials eliminated sickle cell’s characteristic pain crises which can cause serious health problems, including death. Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Casgevy, set the list price at $2.2 million dollars while Bluebird bio, the manufacturers of Lyfgenia, chose a higher price of $3.1 million. These seven-figure price tags raise concerns about affordability and access to care; particularly for a patient population that has regularly faced discrimination and barriers to care. Bluebird and Vertex estimate the cost of managing sickle cell over a lifetime for someone with recurrent pain crisis is between $4 million and $6 million.
To some insurers, preventing the regular hospital visits and other negative consequences associated with pain crises could be compelling. In addition, both companies are exploring outcomes-based contracts that link reimbursement to how well patients do on treatment.
We can help stop the spread of COVID-19, respiratory illnesses, and other infectious diseases, by washing our hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol to help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
Please keep in mind, if you opt to use an alcohol based hand sanitizer, read the Drug Facts Label and keep out of the reach of pets and children. Before you buy hand sanitizer or use hand sanitizer you have at home, please check the FDA’s list of hand sanitizers consumers should not use at www.fda.gov/handsanitizerlist.
Employee Spotlight
Happy Holidays from the RxConnection Team!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and you are the most wonderful part of our business. Thank you for trusting our team to manage your pharmacy benefits! Wishing you the happiest of holidays!
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, two of our team members Josh & Alissa Hall, partnered with their church, Heartland Community, and Building Hope in the City to serve families in Cleveland, Ohio.
Based on generous donations from local people and organizations, the Christmas Store allows over 100 families to purchase new toys or clothing at a fraction of the normal retail cost, so that they can provide Christmas gifts to their loved ones with dignity.
Contact us
Orlando.Neal@rxconnectionllc.com