Specialty Pharmacy and Biologics Research

During the past couple of years we have seen the US healthcare system go through unprecedented changes along with a growing interest in biologic therapies. Biologics and specialty pharmacy are the fastest growing segment of the pharmaceutical portion of the healthcare dollar, representing 16% of drug spending. For some health benefit plans in the past two years these yearly increases in pharmacy benefit spending was more than 20%.

Drug, device, and diagnostic companies are investing heavily in the development of new drug products for the treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis multiple sclerosis and a variety of cancers. Chronic pain and Alzheimer’s disease are other disease states that are attracting investment.

In this video Randy Vogenberg presents results from two current surveys. First is data from the latest biologic finance and access Council survey results of more than 150 healthcare executives across the United States. The survey, conducted in late 2010, was a follow-up to the first survey conducted 2009 in order to glean insight on: knowledge about and management of Biologics in healthcare; issues of importance to each stakeholder; and trends to watch regarding biologic access and financial coverage.

Second is data from the newest national employer survey on Biologics/specialty pharmacy completed in the summer of 2011 in collaboration with the Midwest business group on health. This brief commentary will provide the viewer with some unique insights on the managed care and employer specific marketplace within the United States that Bentelligence and Knowledge Source can provide your organization.