CMS is developing a national coverage determination for Merck's anti-emetic Emend and will accept public comment until Aug. 6, agency says July 6. CMS "internally generated a national coverage determination to determine if aprepitant is full replacement for other covered treatment(s) for chemotherapy-induced emesis," agency said. "If aprepitant is determined to be full replacement, CMS will then describe the circumstances where it is reasonable and necessary for Medicare beneficiaries." CMS' targeted completion date for the NCD is April 1, 2005...

Merck's risk management program for Emend will emphasize the anti-emetic's approved indication to deter prescribing for non-approved indications

Newly released Medicare Part D data sheds light on the sales hit that branded pharmaceutical manufacturers will face when the coverage gap discount program gets under way in 2011