The literature on chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) lacks information on demographic characteristics and comorbidities. To fill this gap, investigators at PHAR, LLC initiated an analysis to better define the insured population. By conducting a cross-sectional analysis of insurance claims, investigators found that although antihistamines were the most common treatment for CIU, physicians also frequently prescribed oral corticosteroids. The study was conducted in partnership with Genentech, Inc. as well as investigators at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and NOVA Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. View the abstract at the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website.
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Claims Data Analysis Finds Omalizumab Appropriately Prescribed
Using a retrospective cohort analysis, investigators at PHAR, LLC and Genentech, Inc. examined patterns of omalizumab use in the first 5 years after the drug’s approval. The study found that omalizumab is most often used with appropriate concomitant medications. In addition, most omalizumab prescriptions come from specialist physicians. These findings were published in the December 2011 edition of the Journal of Asthma.
Study of Adherence and Persistence Among Omalizumab Users Presented at ACAAI
Investigators at PHAR, LLC and Genentech, Inc. conducted research that was presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting. Researchers found that the number of chronic conditions and respiratory comorbidities predicted adherence and persistence to omalizumab therapy.
21-Gene Assay May Improve Health of Breast Cancer Patients With No Incremental Cost
Cost-effectiveness techniques can provide valuable insight into breast cancer treatment. A recent PHAR, LLC study assessed the impact on health outcomes and healthcare expenditures of adopting a 21-gene assay for women with early-stage, minimally node-positive, estrogen receptor-positive HER2-negative breast cancer. The study found that the use of this 21-gene assay was associated with improved outcomes for these breast cancer patients, with no additional cost. To see the publication in its entirety, visit The American Journal of Managed Care website.
PHAR Presents Posters on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Four posters presenting research conducted by PHAR, LLC in collaboration with Eisai Inc. were featured at the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer 2011 International Symposium in Athens, Greece. Investigators examined the risks of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) following the use of several chemotherapy regimens and the costs associated with CINV.
PHAR Study Examines How Obesity and Health Vary by Race and Gender
PHAR investigators used nine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures to study how HRQoL varies by body mass index category among gender and racial subgroups. The research found that a lower HRQoL score was associated with being obese or overweight rather than with having a normal body mass index. The associations were driven primarily by physical health. The degree of the associations varied by the index used. PHAR, LLC investigators collaborated with the RAND Corporation, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, UCLA School of Public Health, Kaiser Permanente Northwest Region, and Health Utilities Inc. For more detailed results, visit the Quality of Life Research website.
Impact of Adherence to Pulmozyme® Treatment on Health Status and Costs
Using a retrospective cohort analysis, PHAR, LLC investigators collaborated with researchers at the University of Michigan and Genentech, Inc. to study adherence to Pulmozyme® in patients with cystic fibrosis. The findings were presented at the 34th European Cystic Fibrosis Society Conference.
Alvimopan May Help Save Money Through Reduced Hospital Costs
Investigators at PHAR, LLC evaluated the economic impact of alvimopan in clinical practice. They found that, along with other initiatives to improve quality and reduce costs of surgical care, alvimopan may be a good choice for use in the perioperative management of patients who undergo segmental bowel resection. This research was published in the P & T journal.
Recurrence Score Factors Into Physician Treatment Decisions More Often When Breast Cancer Tumors Are Smaller
A recent PHAR, LLC study evaluated treatment recommendations for patients with lymph node-positive, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Specifically, investigators sought to determine the effect of the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) assay results on physician decision making for such patients. The findings show that the RS result was used in determining treatment more often when patients had tumors less than 5 cm and one to three positive lymph nodes than when tumors were larger and patients had four or more positive nodes. Use of the RS also resulted in an overall reduction in recommendations for chemotherapy. This research was published in the Journal of Oncology Practice.
Comparison of Lifetime Costs of Two Antiretroviral Regimens in the US
In an era of ever-increasing healthcare costs, knowledge of cost effectiveness is critical for US physicians, policymakers, and payers alike. Results from a cost-effectiveness study undertaken by investigators from PHAR, LLC and Bristol-Myers Squibb was presented at the 10th International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection. The model found that patients using atazanavir with ritonavir experience AIDS diagnoses, opportunistic infections, coronary heart disease events, and diarrhea episodes less often than patients using lopinavir in combination with ritonavir.