Most popular news headlines for Wednesday, August 6 2014

The most-clicked news item for Wednesday was the WSJ/Pharmalot piece “Which Drugs are CVS Caremark and Express Scripts Restricting? Look Here.”  Recently, CVS Caremark has announced that 95 drugs will be restricted from its 2015 formulary (vs 72 in 2014).  Express Scripts is excluding 66 medicines, vs. 48 in 2014.  The article contains links to the new formularies for both.

The second most-clicked news article was “As race to market intensifies, how expectant are cardiologists for PCSK9 inhibitor class?”  This First Word Pharma piece describes a current poll of US and Europe cardiologists regarding their views and potential prescribing behavior for PCSK9 inhibitor drugs, as well as provides background on the major players (Sanofi, Regeneron, Amgen), and their respective drugs in the class.

“Ian Read: LinkedIn and Locked on,” a Drugwonks piece came in as the third most popular link Wednesday.  The article quotes and summarizes a recent linkedin article written by Pfizer CEO/Chairman Ian Read on public perception of the pharma industry.

More than 100 medical societies are requesting that the US Federal Government delay the public launch of the Sunshine Act data disclosures, claiming that physicians need more time to review data for accuracy.  In Wednesday’s fourth most popular new link, Ed Silverman at WSJ/Pharmalot discusses the issue in “Docs Urge CMS to Postpone Deadline for ‘Sunshine’ Data Disclosures.”