RxAdvocate January, 2025 — Newsletter

January 1 RxAdvocate January, 2025 — Newsletter

2024 Drug Approvals

55 new drug products were approved in 2024 and while this is not a record number of approvals in a year, 2024 does make its mark with multiple products that are first in class for conditions without treatment options prior to the new approvals.

One of the more notable from September 2024 is Cobenfy, which can be used for schizophrenia. Cobenfy targets a different receptor than treatments currently available and is also in clinical trials for the potential to help with psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease.

Rezdiffra was approved in March 2024 with a first-time treatment option for patients experiencing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). MASH is a chronic liver disease that creates inflammation due to fatty build up, which impacts around 5% of adults in the U.S.

2024 introduced the most expensive dug product to date with the approval of Lenmeldy for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). This rare disease impacts approximately 1 in every 40,000 people in the U.S. and causes damage to central and peripheral nervous systems. The price tag for this one-time gene therapy infusion is $4.25 million.

The current landscape of the pharmacy industry in the United States, valued at more than $312 billion, with annual growth of 3%, could be reshaped from what we know it as. In 2024, we saw Amazon pharmacy expanding its healthcare services and relationships with PBMs and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Pharmacy continues to grow, both challenging the system structure as it stands.

Current legislation around biosimilars (S-2305 Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act) could allow easier interchangeability at the pharmacy and increased access to these medications. The Federal Trade Commission investigation into PBMs vertical integration influences their consumer costs, drug availability, and community pharmacies showing promise on further disruption in the industry, allowing fair pricing and accessibility to medications.

Internally, RxConnection has been proactive in building relationships with new vendors and creating saving opportunities in 2025. RxValet is a new vendor that can offer patient assistance opportunities as well as international sourcing. We are also excited to work with Counter Health, a new platform that can make members aware of additional savings opportunities they may be eligible for.

RxConnection will continue to work towards implementing these programs with different PBMs and continue to grow and bring new and innovative vendors to not only save members money but provide quality care in this ever-changing landscape.

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Additional Resource

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

Prediabetes, a serious health condition, occurs when blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to diagnose type 2 diabetes. Most people will become diagnosed with prediabetes before type 2 diabetes. 81% of people do not realize they have prediabetes as there are often no symptoms associated with it. 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. have prediabetes.

Prediabetes can occur at any age, however, there are many factors that can increase the risk of developing diabetes including a family history of type 2 diabetes, obesity, previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes in a pregnancy, 45 years of age or older, or have elevated blood pressure. Reversal of prediabetes is possible with achievable lifestyle changes such as weight loss, health eating habits, and exercise.

Programs such as Virta, or the National Diabetes Prevention Program, both cited by the ADA (American Diabetes Association), can help individuals achieve sustainable and lasting lifestyle changes.

Employee Spotlight

Diamond has led the effort to onboard numerous vendors and develop multiple efficiencies for the account team over the past few years. Congratulations, Diamond!

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Kristy Torres to Manager of Account Services.

Kristy’s industry experience and feedback has been invaluable to the account team. Congratulations, Kristy!

We are excited to announce the promotion of Joey Nuez to Senior Strategic Account Executive.

Joey’s experience in the industry as well as in management has made her a perfect fit for this role. Congratulations, Joey!

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Brittany Maira to Strategic Account Executive

Brittany has been extremely helpful to her teammates, providing responsive support and assisting with multiple department projects. Congratulations, Brittany!

We are excited to announce the promotion of Emily Crowe to Senior Manager, Data Analytics.

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