Phathom Pharma Announces VOQUEZNA® Added to CVS Caremark Formularies

Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced that CVS Caremark, the largest pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) in the U.S., has added VOQUEZNA® (vonoprazan) tablets to its national formularies. This addition makes the innovative Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) treatment accessible to more than 26 million commercially insured members under CVS Caremark's coverage. With this development, over 116 million people with commercial insurance now have access to VOQUEZNA, marking a significant milestone for GERD patients seeking new treatment options.

VOQUEZNA® (vonoprazan) is a novel treatment approved by the FDA for various GERD-related conditions. It is the first and only potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) available in the United States. This medication is prescribed for the relief of heartburn associated with Non-Erosive GERD and all severities of Erosive Esophagitis, commonly known as Erosive GERD. The drug's inclusion in CVS Caremark's national commercial formularies aligns with Phathom Pharmaceuticals' market access strategy, requiring only a single step through a generic prescription proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Martin Gilligan, Chief Commercial Officer of Phathom, expressed his satisfaction with the widespread commercial coverage achieved for VOQUEZNA. He highlighted that this development is a significant step forward for millions of GERD patients who have been seeking effective new treatment options. According to Gilligan, an estimated 77% of total commercial lives now have access to VOQUEZNA, underscoring the company's commitment to enhancing patient access and advancing treatment options for those living with acid-related disorders.

Phathom Pharmaceuticals has also introduced savings programs to address coverage and affordability issues. Eligible patients with commercial insurance can benefit from a savings card program, reducing their VOQUEZNA prescription cost to as little as $25. Additionally, the company has partnered with BlinkRx, a digital fulfillment channel designed to help patients find the most affordable options for their prescriptions. These initiatives aim to make VOQUEZNA more accessible to a broader patient population.

VOQUEZNA is available by prescription only and marketed exclusively by Phathom Pharmaceuticals. The medication is specifically formulated for adults, and its safety and effectiveness in children remain unknown. Patients are advised to consult with their healthcare provider before starting the treatment, especially if they have conditions like low magnesium, calcium, or potassium levels, kidney or liver problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Vonoprazan, the active ingredient in VOQUEZNA, belongs to a new class of drugs known as potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs). These drugs work by blocking acid secretion in the stomach, offering a novel approach to treating GERD. VOQUEZNA is approved for:
- Healing acid-related esophageal damage (Erosive Esophagitis) and associated heartburn relief for up to 8 weeks.
- Maintaining the healing of Erosive Esophagitis and related heartburn relief for up to 6 months.
- Heartburn relief related to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) for up to 4 weeks.
- Treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections when combined with antibiotics like amoxicillin and clarithromycin for 14 days.

While VOQUEZNA offers significant benefits, it may also cause serious side effects. These include acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, Clostridioides difficile infection, bone fractures, severe skin reactions, low vitamin B-12 levels, low magnesium levels, and stomach growths known as fundic gland polyps. Common side effects include stomach inflammation, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, stomach bloating, high blood pressure, stomach pain, urinary tract infections, and nausea. 

Patients experiencing any severe side effects are advised to stop taking VOQUEZNA and consult their healthcare provider immediately. For a comprehensive understanding of VOQUEZNA, including patient and prescribing information, individuals are encouraged to visit the official VOQUEZNA website.

Phathom Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative treatments for gastrointestinal diseases. The company acquired the U.S. rights to vonoprazan from Takeda, which markets the product in Japan and other countries in Asia and Latin America. This collaboration aims to provide better treatment options for the millions of GERD patients in the United States.

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