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Introduction to Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies

Targeted Therapy is the foundation of Precision Medicine. Targeted therapy is a type of personalized treatment that targets specific proteins that control how cells grow, divide, and spread.

Antibodies are produced naturally by our body and help the immune system recognize cells that cause disease, such as bacteria and viruses, and mark them for destruction. Antibodies can be engineered in the laboratory to find and attach themselves to specific targets, called antigens, found on cancer cells. They are made to recognize and bind only to a very specific antigen target.

This week's episode highlights three important terms you may be hearing: Antibody-Drug Conjugates, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Bispecific Antibodies.

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All 50 states now allow pharmacists and physicians to enter into Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPAs) in which one or more pharmacists establish a formal relationship with a prescriber, in which the prescriber can delegate specific tasks to a pharmacist under negotiated conditions, which would not otherwise be permitted under the pharmacist’s normal scope of practice

Although state laws vary, generally, CPAs allow prescribers to delegate specific patient care tasks to pharmacists. The pharmacist’s scope of practice under a CPA is generally defined by established protocols that are condition or disease specific. For example, under a CPA, pharmacists many be empowered to perform patient assessments, order laboratory tests, prescribe drugs, counsel patients, and make referrals for related care. They may also be permitted to select, initiate, monitor, continue, discontinue, adjust, and refill therapy regimens.

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When a physician prescribes an expensive specialty medication for a patient, the traditional distribution process was for the provider to purchase the medication, administer it to the patient, and then bill the insurance company for the drug. This “buy-and-bill” process has been utilized for many years.

In recent years, and to help control costs, third-party payers have mandated that the medications come from their own pharmacies where they have more control over the acquisition price of the drugs. This is especially prevalent for expensive, specialty pharmaceuticals.

Various alternatives of this approach have been referred to as “bagging”. In this episode, we define the different types of "bagging" that you may be hearing about.

Need more information? Please email us at Insights@thekinetixgroup.com