MHA Announces Initial Results of the Specialty Pharmacy Member Profile Initiative
March 10, 2008 (Florham Park, NJ): Managed Health Care Associates, Inc. (MHA) is pleased to announce the initial results of its Specialty Pharmacy Member Profile initiative. MHA, the largest alternate site GPO in the country, has been building a strong foundation related to contracting for specialty pharmacy products. Through collaboration with the MHA Specialty Pharmacy Advisory Board, and in partnership with key specialty pharmaceutical manufacturers, MHA has developed the first comprehensive data base identifying key attributes related to the ever changing specialty pharmacy provider model. Manufacturers and payers have provided input in terms of the value proposition they see related to the specialty pharmacy marketplace today. Clearly identifying independent specialty pharmacy providers and the in-depth services they provide has been a major challenge for specialty pharmaceutical manufacturers. Specialty pharmaceutical manufacturers have conveyed to MHA that this information is essential to assist in developing specialty pharmacy contracting strategies as it presents clear delineation and depth of services provided by each respective specialty pharmacy.
MHA Specialty Pharmacy Program Highlights:
* 130 independent specialty pharmacy providers completed the initial profile
* Program participants represent over $320 Million in annualized specialty drug spend
* 41,000 patients serviced covering 15 unique disease states
* Additional service model descriptions including payer profiles as well as compliance and adherence programs
“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to this program from both our specialty pharmacy members and specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer partners” stated Michael J.Sicilian, President of MHA. “We are confident this data will be highly valued in our continued discussions with the manufacturers of specialty pharmaceuticals to stratify and target providers for high cost, high tech biological drugs to treat chronic illnesses such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer and Immune disorders. In the past, only large national pharmacy providers were identified as sources for these medications, but now as the market grows to over 60 billion dollars annually, many other specialty pharmacy models are emerging that can successfully provide these complex therapies. This profile tool will enable all MHA members, qualified to service these patients, to participate in MHA’s specialty contracting with pharmaceutical manufacturers as this new Class of Trade continues to develop.”
Richard Bulich, MHA Senior VP of Specialty Pharmacy added “As the largest alternate site GPO servicing the Specialty and Home Infusion classes of trade, we will continue to leverage our expertise, size and reputation to capture a leading share of the ever expanding specialty pharmacy market. The value proposition to specialty pharmaceutical manufacturers is the ability to access unique data, not only at the patient level, but also in understanding the different specialty pharmacy service models within the existing marketplace. Specialty pharmacy has historically been driven through the mail order approach. With emerging specialty infusion, retail and long term care markets, MHA is uniquely positioned to bring additional value to its members and specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer partners. The Biotech drug pipeline is poised to release over 40 specialty drugs over the next 3 years, and MHA is establishing the key cornerstones to successfully service this market.
About MHA
Managed Health Care Associates, Inc. (MHA) is the largest Alternate Site GPO in the country servicing the Long Term Care, Home Infusion, Combo Pharmacy and Specialty Pharmacy industries. MHA is also the leading Long Term Care Pharmacy Network Manager with focus on serving the Medicare D patient population. MHA’s success is driven by unparalleled member support, competitive contracts, and the ability to create sophisticated, customized, web tools and reports, designed to increase savings and promote profitability. Members utilize MHA services to assist in the purchasing of a complete line of pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, capital equipment, and nutritional food, as well as network access to the majority of the largest national and regional prescription drug plans managing the Medicare Part D drug benefit. MHA also offers a variety of other services including contract administration, marketing, and continuing education. For more information, visit www.mhainc.com.
For More Information Contact:
Angela Elsier
Director of Marketing
Managed Health Care Associates, Inc.
800-642-3020 X2870
aelsier@mhainc.com
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