Area under the curve: Comparing the value of factor VIII replacement therapies in haemophilia A.

Introduction: In factor VIII (FVIII) prophylaxis for haemophilia A, cost comparisons have used price per international unit (IU) based on the once reasonable assumption of equivalent outcome per IU. Now, with several extended half-life (EHL) products available, new outcome-oriented ways to compare products are needed. Area under the curve (AUC) quantifies FVIII levels over time after infusion providing comparable data.

Cost of unintended pregnancy in Sweden - a possibility to lower costs by increasing LARC usage.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the cost of unintended pregnancy (UP) in Sweden and savings generated by a switch of 5% of women from short-acting reversible contraception (SARC) and other methods to long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).

Study Design: We constructed an economic model to estimate the number and costs of UPs and contraceptive use over a 1-year period. The population consisted of all women aged 15-44years requiring reversible contraception and at risk of UP.

A Phase 2, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study of Fresolimumab in Patients With Steroid-Resistant Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.

Introduction: Steroid-resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (SR-FSGS) is a common glomerulopathy associated with nephrotic range proteinuria. Treatment goals are reduction in proteinuria, which can delay end-stage renal disease.

Methods: Patients with SR-FSGS were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of fresolimumab, a monoclonal anti-transforming growth factor-β antibody, at 1 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg for 112 days, followed double-blind for 252 days (NCT01665391).

Converting to doxercalciferol capsules from intravenous paricalcitol or doxercalciferol.

Objective: The purpose of the 2 studies presented in this article was to determine the clinically appropriate dose of doxercalciferol capsules that is required to maintain similar intact parathyroid hormone control when converting from intravenous (IV) paricalcitol or doxercalciferol.

Design: Both studies were multicenter, open-label, randomized designs comprising the following 3 periods: a screening period, a 5-week run-in period, and a 5-week treatment period.

Setting: Dialysis centers in the United States.