Issue 11.03: March 19, 2012

[JohnMack]

{See attachments for resources used in the preparation of this issue}

HealthPrize Teams Up with RealAge to Improve Adherence
High Engagement in Reward Program Among Asthma/COPD Patients



Unless taken, medicines don't work. Lack of medication adherence is a major issue contributing to poor health outcomes and higher costs. HealthPrize Technologies believes it has at least part of the solution, which is to provide an innovative approach with an online and mobile-based program that is fun, engaging and educational. This article summarizes the results of a six-month asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pilot study in which HealthPrize partnered with RealAge to test patient engagement with the HealthPrize online and mobile platform.

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Focus on Drug Safety Communication & TV DTC Advertising
A Review of Two New FDA Guidance Documents



This article reviews two recently published and important guidances from the FDA that concern the dissemination of drug information to consumers.

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Subscribe before April 15, 2012, to access the complete article (no charge) or click on "More..." to purchase the reprint.

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US Drug Shortage & Supply Chain Crisis
Pharma's Missed Opportunity to Support Patients via Social Media



Although many pharmaceutical companies actively use Twitter and other social media tools to push out positive news about their companies and products, very few use these tools for systematic support of patients who depend upon their drugs, which may be short supply.

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Subscribe before April 15, 2012, to access the complete article (no charge) or click on "More..." to purchase the reprint

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Do Drug Copay Coupons Drive Up Healthcare Costs?
Union Health Plans Say "Yes"



Coupons for drug co-payments are illegal and drive up long-term health-care costs for all, a consumer group and four trade-union health-insurance plans said in announcing lawsuits against eight pharmaceutical companies. The lawsuits claim that although coupons reduce the consumer's out-of-pocket cost, the health insurer still pays the previously negotiated price to the drug company. With no savings from generics, health plans will need to charge patients more to keep up with rising costs, the lawsuits say.

Full text...


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