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MedImpact Study Demonstrates Health Risks for Diabetics May Be Reduced By Using Combination Medications

Posted on: Tuesday, 6 November 2007, 15:00 CST

MedImpact, the nation's largest pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company that does not sell drugs, today announced findings from a research study that found patients were 50 percent more likely to be compliant using a single pill. The study compared compliance rates for different drug therapies used to control blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Blood glucose levels are often managed with more than one medication. Thiazolidinedione (TZD) and metformin (MET) are common types of medications that are used together to achieve the desired result. These drugs can either be given as two separate pills or in a single pill that combines both medications.

The MedImpact study compared compliance rates for these specific single-pill and multi-pill options. Research highlights were presented at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) 10th Annual European Congress, which was held in Dublin, Ireland last month.

"It is important that diabetics control their blood glucose levels to avoid serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and blindness," said Dr. Louis Brunetti, senior vice president and chief medical officer for MedImpact. "Combination therapy products are becoming more available to manage complex diseases such as diabetes, but there is very little research comparing the compliance levels that are achieved with various multi-pill and single-pill options. With results from this study, physicians now have additional information to help guide their selection of a drug therapy that may result in more favorable outcomes for their patients with diabetes."

The MedImpact study compared compliance rates for diabetics taking TZD and MET agents as two separate pills with compliance rates for diabetics taking Actoplus Met™, a specific prescription drug that combines TZD and MET agents into one single pill. While studies comparing single-pill combinations versus multi-pill combinations used to treat diabetes have been conducted in the past, the MedImpact study is the first that compared compliance rates for these specific single- and multiple-pill combinations of TZD and MET.

The study also showed that those using the single pill were also less likely to discontinue their drug therapy altogether. The MedImpact study did not explore the reasons why compliance was higher for the single-pill approach, but the single-pill approach appears to be more convenient for patients and convenience may be a contributing factor. Additionally, the single-pill option may also be more cost effective for both payors and patients.

"We know that greater compliance with appropriate drug therapy may lead to better management of blood glucose levels in diabetics, and this could lead to fewer complications related to the disease," said Dr. Brunetti. "The MedImpact health outcomes research group is focused on providing valuable information, like the findings in this study, that can lead to improved clinical outcomes and lower health care costs for both payors and the patients they serve."

About MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.

MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc., based in San Diego, California, was founded in 1989. The company currently services 29 million members nationwide with clients that include Fortune 500 corporations, unions, managed care organizations, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, as well as local, state and federal employee programs. MedImpact bases its success on delivering innovative products and services designed to lower overall client cost while increasing member satisfaction and quality of care.

Source: Business Wire

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