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Quality initiatives, scientific research drive changes in drug industry
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Competition, quality initiatives and scientific advances are driving an evolutionary shift in the prescription drug industry, particularly in glaucoma care, an expert said.
“For the first time since 1998, health care trends are down when it comes to costs,” Matthew C. Palmgren, PhamD, director of Clinical Pharmacy Solutions at Humana Pharmacy Solutions, said. “We’re seeing more head-to-head trials. We’re seeing more competition out there. We’re seeing things that are moving definitely faster.”
As high-cost specialty medications enter the market, demand for cost-effectiveness will increase exponentially. Gains in genetics and disease physiology will result in more personalized, targeted and combined treatments, especially for glaucoma patients, Mr. Palmgren said.
Scientific advances and business decisions promise to result in more targeted, cost-effective medications, he said.
Generic drugs are also becoming more available, Mr. Palmgren said.