Lilly’s Symbyax Requires Prior Authorization Under Massachusetts Medicaid
Executive Summary
Massachusetts Medicaid's MassHealth program is requiring prior authorization for Lilly's antipsychotic/ antidepressant combination agent, Symbyax
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Massachusetts Medicaid's MassHealth program is requiring prior authorization for Lilly's antipsychotic/ antidepressant combination agent, Symbyax . Symbyax (fluoxetine/olanzapine) is listed under both MassHealth's antidepressant and atypical antipsychotic therapeutic classes as requiring prior authorization. Symbyax was approved in December for treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. The product is priced comparably to single agent antipsychotic Zyprexa (olanzapine) (1 (Also see "Lilly Symbyax Combo Clears FDA; Price, Dose Will Help Distinguish Brand" - Pink Sheet, 5 Jan, 2004.), p. 3). The 2 MassHealth drug list does not require prior authorization for Zyprexa or the antidepressant fluoxetine ( Prozac and generics). However, the fluoxetine line extensions Prozac Weekly and Sarafem , as well as orally disintegrating Zyprexa Zydis , require prior authorization. Schering-Plough's Rebetol (ribavirin) and Rebetron (interferon alfa-2b/ribavirin) will require prior authorization under Mass. Medicaid beginning May 3. Sandoz' and Three Rivers' ANDAs for ribavirin cleared FDA April 6, and Schering has launched its own generic (3 (Also see "Ribavirin ANDAs Clear FDA; Schering Goes Generic Too" - Pink Sheet, 12 Apr, 2004.), p. 38). Starting June 1, MassHealth will require prior authorization for Johnson & Johnson's Duragesic (fentanyl transdermal system) and Purdue's OxyContin (oxycodone controlled release). Generic versions of both controlled substances could be entering the market in coming months. A federal court ruled that an approved generic version manufactured by Mylan may not be marketed until the Duragesic patent expires July 23; FDA must separately resolve whether the generic should be delayed an additional six months by Duragesic's pediatric exclusivity (4 (Also see "Mylan Loses Duragesic Case; Generic Launch Timing Dispute Moves To FDA" - Pink Sheet, 5 Apr, 2004.), p. 10). FDA approved generic versions of OxyContin manufactured by Endo and Teva on March 24. Neither company has announced its launch plans. Both companies could be waiting for an appeals court decision on the validity of Purdue's OxyContin patents (5 (Also see "OxyContin Generics From Endo And Teva Will Include Risk Management Plans" - Pink Sheet, 29 Mar, 2004.), p. 28). |