How to Choose a PBM
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Vectra® is an advanced blood test that helps physicians understand the extent of patients’ inflammation, predict the risk of permanent joint damage, and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Atlanta, GA (November 30, 2020) – PharmAvail, a leading pharmacy benefits management (PBM) company, has signed a contract with Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN), a leader in molecular diagnostics and precision medicine, to launch a ground-breaking personalized multibiomarker program for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Vectra® is an advanced blood test that helps physicians understand the extent of patients’ inflammation, predict the risk of permanent joint damage, and determine the appropriate course of treatment. Since symptoms can vary widely based upon each person’s unique genetic makeup, Vectra measures the levels of 12 protein biomarkers in the blood and combines them into a quantitative score. If the score stays below a certain threshold, the patient may not have to progress from methotrexate to an expensive biologic, potentially saving plan sponsors more than $5,000 a month.
“RA represents one of the highest cost disease states, and there is significant evidence that Vectra can improve patient outcomes while lowering healthcare costs for our members,” said Rich Adams, chief operating officer at PharmAvail. “We look forward to working with Myriad to collect further clinical evidence supporting the value of these tests and to increase access among our members.”
Nearly 1.5 million Americans live with RA, a chronic disease that affects women two to three times more often than men. It primarily affects the joints – especially in the hands and feet – but it can also affect other parts of the body, including the heart, lungs and blood vessels. RA causes pain, swelling and redness in the affected joints. Over time, cartilage and bone can become irreversibly damaged, causing permanent disability.
“We’re excited to work with an innovative organization like PharmAvail that is focused on patient outcomes at the lowest net cost,” said Greg Abram, vice president of payer markets at Myriad Genetics. “This represents a great opportunity for patients with RA to get an objective measure as they consider treatment options with their physician.”