From the state of the economy to the implementation of drug reform legislation and prolific genericization of branded products, there has been much speculation about the impact that biologic drugs will have on private plans. Less than five years ago, most of this discussion took place in the future tense. Long development times in the […]
Private benefits plan managers can’t deny the impact of biologic drugs on their drug plans. According to Telus Health Solutions 2010 research, biologic drugs represent 14% to 16% of drug spend and 60% of catastrophic claims. However, they account for less than 1% of the total number of claims, according to ESI Canada’s 2009 Drug […]
I was talking to a client recently about the potential implications of a particular biologic drug on their future benefits plan costs. The client listened intently but at the end of the discussion indicated they understood the issue but couldn’t do anything about it. At that moment it struck me—most employers manage benefits plan risks […]
Why is there a focus on generic drug reform? asked Barbara Martinez, a principal with Mercer, speaking on December 1 during a Mercer webinar entitled “Drug Reform—What’s Next?” According to IMS Health, 54.3% of prescriptions in 2009 were filled with a generic. And, while these may be lower cost than the name brand, generics in […]
Sanofi-Aventis SA isn’t taking ‘No’ for an answer. After having its $69-a-share bid for Genzyme Corp. termed as too low, France’s largest drug maker has launched a $18.5 billion hostile takeover offer. If ratified, the deal would be the largest hostile takeover offer in the drug industry since the transaction creating Sanofi-Aventis in 2004. Sanofi-Synthelabo […]