© Reuters.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:PHAT), a biopharmaceutical company, has announced that its drug VOQUEZNA (vonoprazan) tablets are now included in Express Scripts’ national formularies for commercial plans. This inclusion is effective immediately and grants access to the treatment for Erosive Esophagitis, a form of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), to an estimated 60 million covered lives in the United States.
VOQUEZNA is recognized as the first and only FDA-approved potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) and represents the first new class of treatment for Erosive GERD to be available in the U.S. in over 30 years.
Martin Gilligan, Chief Commercial Officer of Phathom remarked, “We are thrilled to announce VOQUEZNA has been added to Express Scripts™ national formularies, highlighting one of the largest pharmacy benefit management companies in the U.S. is now providing millions of patients the potential for immediate access to our novel treatment for Erosive GERD.”
The move is significant for patients who have been dissatisfied with existing Erosive GERD treatments, as research indicates a high level of dissatisfaction among both patients and prescribers. The addition of VOQUEZNA to the formulary is a response to this need for alternative treatments.
Erosive GERD affects approximately 20 million people in the U.S., and a medical claims analysis suggests that around 35% of patients treated with a prescription PPI switch to a different PPI within three months of initial treatment. Phathom is also offering co-pay assistance programs for eligible patients with commercial insurance to address coverage or affordability issues.
VOQUEZNA, marketed exclusively by Phathom Pharmaceuticals, is available by prescription only. The company is actively engaging with other major PBMs and health plans to further increase coverage for VOQUEZNA.
The information for this article is based on a press release statement from Phathom Pharmaceuticals.
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