Summaries of Must-Read Clinical Literature, Guidelines, and FDA Actions
Policy help needed as rheumatology drug prices continue to rise
Key clinical point: Rheumatology prices are rising in Medicare Part B and D, and policy help may be needed to control it.
Major finding: Spending on 10 biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs more than doubled between 2012 and2016 (from $3.8 billion to $8.6 billion).
Study details: Researchers examined drug spending data covering all Medicare Part B fee-for-service, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid enrollees, and did a statistical analysis of the results.
Disclosures: Each author had funding from different sources, though the funders had no role in the design and conduct of the study. No other disclosures were made.
McCormick N et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019 Oct 14. doi: 10.1002/ART.41138; Worthing A. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019 Oct 14. doi: 10.1002/art.41135.