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Part D Contracting in the Six Protected Classes

 
• By Ramsey Baghdadi

The six protected classes represented one of the most talked about provisions in the Medicare Part D program. A year after the Part D kickoff, the classes are still around, but there could be some tweaks going forward.

One of the most talked about and lobbied-for provisions of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit was the creation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of six "protected" classes. Under the program, plan sponsors must cover "all or substantially all" drugs in six categories: antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiretrovirals, immunosuppressants, anticonvulsants and antineoplastics.

The designation was an undeniable boon for drug manufacturers. For example, if you were Eli Lilly & Co. (Zyprexa)...

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Pink Sheet Podcast: The US and Ex-US Impact Of Most-Favored Nation Drug Pricing

 
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Pink Sheet reporter and editors discuss the potential impact of the Most-Favored Nation drug pricing proposal on Europe, the United States, as well as the pharmaceutical industry.

Blenrep’s Comeback Continues As England Becomes First To Fund Drug

 
• By Eliza Slawther

Blenrep, GSK’s multiple myeloma therapy, faced a major setback when it was withdrawn from the market in 2022. The drug has since made a return as a second-line therapy, and is on track to being reimbursed in England.

PCMA, CVS, Cigna File Lawsuits Over ‘Dangerous’ Arkansas PBM Law

 
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The suits are an early test of the Arkansas law banning company ownership of PBMs and pharmacies in the state, as other states consider similar legislation.

Medicare Part D LIS Access Threatened By House Budget Bill’s Medicaid Obstacles

 
• By Cathy Kelly

An unintended consequence of a provision framed as an administrative change in the bill could significantly reduce medication adherence among low-income older adults and increase mortality, a study found.

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Recent And Upcoming FDA Advisory Committee Meetings

 
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Recent and upcoming US FDA advisory committee meetings and a summary of the topics covered.

UK-Wide Strategy Needed To Move Clinical Trial Diversity Plans To Next Stage

 
• By Vibha Sharma

The UK’s research-based pharma industry and medical research charities have set out clear action points to drive greater diversity and inclusion in clinical trials.

Blenrep’s Comeback Continues As England Becomes First To Fund Drug

 
• By Eliza Slawther

Blenrep, GSK’s multiple myeloma therapy, faced a major setback when it was withdrawn from the market in 2022. The drug has since made a return as a second-line therapy, and is on track to being reimbursed in England.