1. Express Scripts’ formularies are determined by a secretive board of doctors and a pharmacist. Executives from the pharmacy benefit manager say their identities are concealed to protect them from lobbyists, while critics want more transparency in their decision making. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
2. Endo International withdrew a supplemental new drug application for its painkiller Opana ER after seeking abuse-deterrent labeling for the opioid. The decision followed a discussion with the FDA last week, the company said. (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News)
3. Boehringer Ingelheim announced a global program to collect real-world data on Praxbind, its Pradaxa reversal agent. The antidote for BI’s blood thinner is meant to be used in emergency surgeries or in life-threatening situations to stop uncontrollable bleeding.
4. Johnson & Johnson is facing a new round of litigation regarding its antibiotic Levaquin. The suits allege that the drug caused nerve damage in some patients. (New Jersey Law Journal)
5. The FDA plans to hold meetings today regarding the renewal of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act. PDUFA allows the agency to collect fees from drug manufacturers to fund the new drug approval process. (FDA)
