Understanding profiles of patients with treatment-resistant depression by stringency of health plan prior authorization criteria for approval of esketamine nasal spray.

Objectives: In the United States (US), prescription drug coverage is subject to prior authorization (PA) criteria, which may vary between health plans and may exceed drug label requirements. This study aimed to characterize profiles and treatment history of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who initiated esketamine nasal spray, by stringency of their health plans' PA criteria relative to the esketamine label.

Methods: Adults with evidence of TRD (≥2 antidepressant courses of adequate dose and duration) prior to initiating esketamine were identified using US insurance claims data (03/2016-02/2022).

Patient Acceptability and Preferences for Solid Oral Dosage Form Drug Product Attributes: A Scoping Review.

Background: There is no consistent framework for patient-centric drug product design, despite the common understanding that drug product acceptability and preferences influence adherence and, therefore, drug product effectiveness. The aim of this review was to assess current understanding of patient acceptability and preferences for solid oral dosage form (SODF) drug product attributes, and the potential impact of these attributes on patient behaviors and outcomes.

Patients And Methods: A scoping review was conducted.

Treatment Patterns, Acute Healthcare Resource Use, and Costs of Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression Completing Induction Phase of Esketamine in the United States.

Background: This study aimed to understand treatment patterns, acute healthcare use, and cost patterns among adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who completed induction treatment with esketamine nasal spray in the United States (US). Per label, induction is defined as administration twice a week for 4 weeks, after which maintenance is started on a weekly basis for 4 weeks, and thereafter, patients are treated weekly or bimonthly.

Methods: Adults with one or more esketamine claim (index date) on or after March 5, 2019 were selected from Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database (January 2016-June 2022).

Barriers to Esketamine Nasal Spray Treatment Among Adults With Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Under a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy program, esketamine nasal spray CIII requires self administration at a certified treatment center. Our objective was to identify factors associated with esketamine initiation and continuation. A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted among US adults who met treatment-resistant depression (TRD) criteria.