March 6
IN THIS ISSUE / March 6, 2019
- FDA approves self-injection of guselkumab for plaque psoriasis
- Nearly 80% of public find drug prices 'unreasonable'
- Biotin supplementation unnecessary for most patients, may lead to misdiagnosis
- Why are academic dermatologists burned out?
FDA approves self-injection of guselkumab for plaque psoriasis
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the single-dose, patient-controlled guselkumab injector (TREMFYA®) for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This therapy is the first of its kind marketed with the One-Press injector — a device designed to fit comfortably in the patient’s hand and hide the needle through administration. The treatment should be supervised by a physician until the patient has been trained and approved for self-injection.
Guselkumab was approved as a 100 mg subcutaneous injection administered once every eight weeks, following starter doses at weeks zero and four. On a scale of zero to 10, with 10 being the greatest positive experience, the mean patient score for satisfaction with the self-injection was 9.18, and ease of use was rated as 9.24. Additionally, nearly 99% of patients using One-Press for the first time completed a successful injection. Following three injections of guselkumab, half of the patients experienced 100% skin clearance.
Learn more about how psoriasis experts have used a treat-to-target approach to help patients achieve rates of skin clearance never seen before in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- What is keeping biosimilars out of reach and when will they be available? – Dermatology World (November 2018)
- For your patients: Psoriasis Resource Center
- Which topicals work for scalp psoriasis – Dermatology World (June 2016)
- AAD product: Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis patient pamphlet
Nearly 80% of public find drug prices ‘unreasonable’
According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey released Friday, 79% of respondents found drug prices to be “unreasonable,” while 17% classified them as “reasonable,” reports The Hill. Twenty-four percent of respondents said they found it difficult to pay the costs of their prescription medications, with 29% not taking their medicines as prescribed at some point in the past year because of the cost, and 8% reporting a worsening condition as a result of not taking their prescription as recommended.
Additionally, the survey found broad, bipartisan support for measures to lower prescription drug costs, including current policy options. While many people surveyed say they trust pharmaceutical companies’ ability to offer reliable information to consumers about drug safety, side effects, and efficacy, only 25% say they trust drug companies to price their products fairly — a significant decrease from the 41% who said they trusted drug companies to price fairly in 2008.
Why are physicians out of the loop on current drug prices and costs to patients? Find out in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- What's happening with drug prices and what's being done to bring costs down? – Dermatology World (September 2017)
- What’s being done to resolve drug shortages? – Dermatology World (September 2018)
- Drug price circus: Providers and patients jump through hoops to fill prescriptions – Dermatology World (January 2016)
Biotin supplementation unnecessary for most patients, may lead to misdiagnosis
According to a JAAD manuscript recently accepted for publication, while there is limited evidence that biotin supplements improve skin, hair, and nail conditions, it is routinely recommended to patients by dermatologists and primary care physicians (PCPs). A recent FDA warning stated that biotin supplementation can interfere with laboratory testing, potentially leading to missed or inappropriate diagnoses, such as a misdiagnosis of Grave’s disease.
Of nearly 450 study participants, 34% stated current or past biotin use, 58% of biotin users reported no improvement in their conditions, and only about 14% of users saw any benefit from the supplement. Dermatologists or PCPs recommended biotin in 29% of users, and 55% were self-prescribed. Only 6.6% of biotin users were aware of the FDA warning, and only six subjects were informed of this warning by their physician. Just more than half of biotin users reported undergoing laboratory testing while taking the supplement.
The researchers concluded that with biotin’s potential to affect common laboratory tests and the lack of significant evidence regarding its benefit, it should not be routinely recommended by physicians unless there is a confirmed biotin deficiency.
Learn more about how common pantry items like lemon juice, yogurt, or honey may offer patients a natural starting point in Dermatology World.
Why are academic dermatologists burned out?
A manuscript recently accepted for publication in JAAD explored the reasons why academic dermatologists are feeling burned out. A survey of academic dermatologists indicated that the top causes of burnout include excessive documentation and time spent on electronic health records (22%), lack of protected time for research or teaching (19%), and increased demand for productivity, causing a sense that institutions value finances over patient care and academic pursuits (17%). Ten of the 91 respondents (17%) noted that bureaucratic tasks, especially insurance issues, contributed to burnout. Also, dermatologists pointed to a lack of support or appreciation shown by administrative bodies (12%).
The researchers suggest that academic institutions may be able to combat burnout among academic dermatologists by increasing protected time for scholarly pursuits. Check out the Academy’s new resources for combating burnout in the Practice Management Center.
Related Links:
- Feeling the burn – Dermatology World (September 2017)
- AAD product: Simulated Patient Encounter – Dealing with Difficult Patients
