Welcome to the June edition of BioMatrix Abstract!

BioMatrix Abstract informs readers of our leading efforts in the specialty pharmacy space while providing updates on relevant legislative efforts, research initiatives, and current events in healthcare.

June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month!

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare, autoimmune neuromuscular disease that’s characterized by weakness in the muscles you can control. Here's some signs and symptoms to look out for as well as treatment options for MG. Read more .

What It Means to Be Part of the BioMatrix Family

We are committed to building authentic relationships with our patients that support their overall wellbeing. It’s part of our mission and engrained in who we are. Our patients are like family. Here we share what that means. Read more .

Men’s Health Week?

In the week leading up to Father’s Day, Men’s Health Week encourages boys, men, and their families to check in with their health. Here we outline some important screenings to schedule, disease prevention tips, and health concerns to discuss with your doctor. Read more .

BioMatrix on the Move!

Upcoming Events?

Catch up with BioMatrix at this upcoming event. We can't wait to see you!

• 6/30/23: Congress of the Intestinal Rehabilitation and Transplant Association (CIRTA) (Chicago, IL)

BioMatrix Was Proud to Attend and Support These Meetings

Thanks to all who visited the BioMatrix booth!

• Karen Papish attended the UCI Neuromuscular Colloquium?on June 2nd in Huntington Beach, CA.?
• Our transplant team—Charlotte, Mark, Sue, Lisa, Alex, Celine, and Deb attended American Transplant Congress (ATC)?June 3rd – 7th in San Diego, CA.?
• Rafael Rivera attended the Maryland Allergy & Asthma Society Meeting?on June 7th in Columbia, MD

BioMatrix in Focus: Rare + Orphan Diseases

BioMatrix has extensive experience with orphan, rare, and ultra-rare diseases.?

We provide limited distribution drugs, customizable clinical management programs, and high levels of patient engagement to improve health outcomes for patients with complex medical conditions.?

Our accredited, nationwide services include the clinical monitoring, data collection, and therapy management tools required by today’s healthcare stakeholders with the individualized patient support that leads to increased adherence and improved therapy outcomes.?

>> Learn more about our support services for patients with rare and orphan diseases.

Stimate?

In July 2020, the pharmaceutical manufacturer of Stimate, a popular Desmopressin (DDVAP) nasal spray treatment for Type 1 VWD, suspended and recalled their product. Thereafter, the FDA declared DDVAP therapies in short supply which allowed The Hemophilia Alliance (a trade organization for NHF) to outsource the manufacturing of the drug to STAQ Pharma, a 503B compounding facility. STAQ Pharma’s higher concentrated DDVAP version (similar to Stimate) is available. NHF, however, reports patient difficulties in getting the new DDVAP therapy paid for by insurance, a result of PBM blocks and of STAQ Pharma being unlicensed in several states.

>> The Hemophilia Alliance Plugs Hole Left by Stimate

>> STAQ State License Map

Vertical Integration Map?

The following graph, provided by Drug Channels, demonstrates the vertical relationships between insurers, PBMs, and insurer/PBM-owned specialty pharmacies.

PBM

Florida lawmakers passed legislation that will restrict PBMs within the state. The bill would provide the following changes:

• An increase to regulation and authority oversight by the Office of Insurance Regulation.
• An end to “spread pricing,” where PBMs pay a lower drug price to pharmacies than that reimbursed from the insurer or employer.
• A prevention of PBMs from having affiliated (in-house) pharmacies in their network.
• A stop to PBMs requiring patients to receive prescriptions via mail.

The Florida House and Senate unanimously passed the bill (SB 1550). Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law May 3.

>> Florida Passes Heavy Restrictions on PBM Anti-Competitive Practices

Medicaid

A recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that many Medicaid recipients are uninformed about the ongoing redetermination process. Almost three-fourths were unaware they could be disenrolled. Over a third of the recipients had not updated their contact info within the last year. The survey also found that most did not have significant changes to their income, which would likely make them still eligible for benefits.

>> Medicaid Recipients Unaware About Ongoing Redetermination

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BioMatrix Specialty Pharmacy offers comprehensive, nationwide specialty pharmacy services and digital health technology solutions for patients with chronic, difficult to treat conditions.

>> Visit our website!