Spotlight on Formulary Management

[F3] Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and the Managed Care Considerations for Formulary Decision-Making

ACPE UAN: 0233-0000-19-031-L01-P | Contact Hours: 1.25 | Activity Type: Knowledge-based

Faculty(s)

• 

  Eric Cannon, PharmD, FAMCP

  Vice President, Pharmacy Benefit Services
  SelectHealth
  Murray, Utah
• 

  Michael J. Cawley, PharmD, FCCM

  Professor of Clinical Pharmacy
  Philadelphia College of Pharmacy / University of the Sciences
  Royersford, Pennsylvania

Moderator(s)

• 

  Brian Mischel, RPh, MBA

  Director, Clinical Solutions
  Express Scripts
  St. Louis, Missouri

Statement of Commercial Support: This educational activity is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) currently have a 60% five-year survival outlook, which has been increasing since the 1980s when it was a 37% five-year outlook. This is attributed to a growing understanding of PAH and improved treatments available for the disease. However, there is inconsistency in inter-provider placement of patients into PAH functional classification categories. This creates discrepancies in treatment options used and may increase indirect costs through patients not receiving the right type of treatment to improve functionality and reduce chances of developing comorbid conditions.

This session will provide data on the pathophysiology and potential comorbidities of PAH, WHO functional classification categories and how these impact treatment decisions, information on emerging therapies, and formulary management approaches for PAH.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1. Describe the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the functional classifications and their use in determining treatment options, and the potential comorbidities associated with the disease.
2. Explain PAH treatment management with an emphasis on targeted goal directed therapy.
3. Identify at least one medication in the PAH pipeline and where it may fit into the current guidelines.
4. Examine the pharmacoeconomic impact of current PAH medications in terms of QALY, indirect cost prevention, and long-term survival benefits.
5. Discuss formulary decision-making strategies for optimizing outcomes of PAH treatment options.