R. Brett McQueen, PhD, is the team lead for an agreement with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) to negotiate and track value-based contracts – agreements which help improve patient health outcomes and drive affordability by delivering savings to taxpayers, state and federal budgets in the form of manufacturer discounts. They also hold manufacturers financially accountable if drug therapies do not deliver the expected clinical outcomes for Medicaid members.
The most recent agreement with the makers of Dupixent® (Sanofi) tracks the health outcomes of specific Medicaid patients starting or continuing on Dupixent, a biologic injectable that targets type 2 inflammation. Its uses include patents with asthma, atopic dermatitis (rash, such as eczema), allergies, and other inflammatory immune responses.
Dr. McQueen, an Associate Professor at Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, (CU Pharmacy) is uniquely qualified to monitor outcomes of such agreements. He is currently the director of the Center for Pharmaceutical Value (pValue) at CU Pharmacy and works to apply and test novel methods to improve pharmaceutical coverage and reimbursement decision-making.
“Our role is to provide timely evidence for HCPF to make informed decisions on coverage and reimbursement for new and existing pharmaceutical products,” Dr. McQueen said. “In addition, we track and display ongoing results of existing contracts to help both HCPF and manufacturers understand the effectiveness of products in real-time.”
According to HCPF, it is committed to addressing rising drug costs to the state and improving health outcomes for Medicaid members through this new contractual agreement. If the clinical outcomes do not meet preselected targets, Sanofi agrees to reimburse part of the upfront cost.
“This value-based contract demonstrates the shared commitment toward better patient outcomes, patient access, accountability and affordability,” said HCPF Executive Director, Kim Bimestefer.
About the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: The top-ranked Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on the world-class University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is preparing the world's future pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists through innovative learning and teaching. During its 110+ year history, the School of Pharmacy has been a global leader in medical discoveries, patient care, pharmacy advocacy, and online education. CU Pharmacy is ranked in the top 10% of all pharmacy schools in the nation, producing graduates that exceed national student outcomes and enjoy stellar career opportunities. The School's faculty are advancing science and health care, through programs that reach urban and rural Coloradans, as well as communities around the world.
About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing: The Department administers Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), Child Health Plan Plus, and other programs for Coloradans who qualify. These health care programs now cover about one in four Coloradans. For more information about the Department, please visit hcpf.colorado.gov.