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Express Scripts
Latest Headlines
Latest Headlines
Specialty drugs to rocket upward by 67% by 2015
Drugmakers know that specialty products are where it's at these days. A recent IMS Institute report showed the U.S. drug market shrinking for the first time last year. But spending on specialty drugs posted double-digit increases. Almost 20%, according to a recent Express Scripts report, in fact.
Specialty med price shock rattles ill-equipped payers
For the past 20 years Express Scripts has been crunching the numbers on the ever rising amount of money Americans spend on drugs. But last year, the analysts say, the country hit a critical watershed as the amount spent on traditional drugs--the pills used for a host of common maladies--slid a bit while specialty drug spending surged 18.4% on the arrival of complex new therapeutics which have captured the attention of drug developers around the globe.
Drugmakers beware, Costco now in pharmacy benefits
In the evolving drug payer world, pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) are commanding a bigger role. Now drug companies have a new and interesting PBM with which to contend--Costco.
Analyst says Vivus buyout, partner best for Qsymia sales
Qsymia from Vivus ($VVUS) is all about losing weight and getting smaller, but the Bay Area drugmaker has decided to significantly expand its own waistline.
Perrigo nails down dermatology spot with $45M deal
Perrigo has further solidified its position in topical dermatology drugs, one of the areas in which prices have been escalating of late.
Express Scripts will cover weight-loss med Qsymia
Vivus' weight-loss drug Qsymia, which has suffered from lagging uptake, has gotten a boost by pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts, which will now pay for the drug.
Even with broad use of generics, drug spending grows in U.S.
While drugmakers are concerned about how governments around the world are scaling back on drug spending, they can still take heart from the good old U.S. of A.
Branded drug prices leap 13% in U.S., far outpacing inflation
While drugmakers worry about drug spending cuts around the world, they can still take heart from the good old U.S. of A. Companies raised branded drug prices by 13.3%, but it was the cost of specialty meds, such as new hepatitis C drugs, that saw the steepest climb.
Generic cream price spikes have experts scratching their heads
While the pharma industry has been criticized over the high cost of cancer drugs and alleged price manipulation of wholesale prices, it is the cost of generic ointments that is setting some consumers off and leaving some experts scratching their heads.
Employers eye costs of specialty drugs
Employers have drug costs on their minds lately. Balancing the cost of drugs against care has swelled as the key consideration for companies evaluating drug plans in a survey by Express Scripts.
