WellDyne Expertise Featured at AMCP Nexus Virtual Event

Patty Taddei-Allen, Sr. Director, Clinical Analytics, joined industry leaders who shared their expertise at AMCP Nexus 2020, an annual event held virtually this year. Her topic provided insights related to treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which attacks the body’s immune system and if not treated, can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). 

In her poster presentation, “Changes in Utilization Patterns for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to HIV after Recommendation from US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF),” Patty explored the impact of the task force recommendations, updated in June 2019, to include the addition of pharmacologic therapy for PrEP to HIV. The recommendation applies to people who are not infected with HIV, but are at high risk for acquiring the disease. Two PrEP medications are currently available, Truvada and Descovy.  

Using WellDyne paid claims data, Patty found that in the 2019-20 reporting period, 28% of patients in the HIV therapeutic category were on PrEP therapy, representing a 4% increase from the previous reporting period. “We have observed significant increases in the proportion of patients using either Truvada or Descovy for PrEP rather than HIV treatment,” Patty explained.  

“We anticipate the use of PrEP will continue to increase due to the updated recommendation and availability of generally well-tolerated medications in the marketplace,” she added. “Utilization management strategies such as ensuring an accurate diagnosis for eliminating member cost share, and possibly preferred status on a generically available product for PrEP prior to a branded product will help manage costs.”  

AMCP is a professional association of pharmacists, physicians, nurses and professionals working in life sciences and biopharmaceutical companies. The organization advocates for evidence-based medication use strategies that improve access to medication, enhance patient and population health outcomes and safeguard the wise use of healthcare dollars.