Segment 1: Formulary Exclusivity Deals

The panelists discuss the evidence that is weighed when determining whether or not to include a particular therapy on their regimens.

Cost is a significant factor, admitted Matthew D. Harman, PharmD, MPH, especially since many payers felt burned by the price of Sovaldi the first time around. However, Ed Cohen, PharmD, FAPhA, said Walgreens stays neutral for of its payer clients and adheres to their formulary practices.

Steven Miller, MD, MBA, explained that since Harvoni and Viekira Pak seem to be equivalent in both use and outcome based on the studies, Express Scripts’ independent committee labelled both drugs as optional and let plans choose which one they wanted to add.

“Our national preferred formulary chose Viekira Pak, many of our other clients have chosen Harvoni,” he said. “We are fine with both and we have negotiated really great rates for all of our clients regardless of the products they’ve chosen.”