Even the most effective drugs don't work if patients don't take them or if patients aren't taking the right dose. That's why drug adherence is one of the biggest problems that the biopharma industry faces, despite the amazing progress that has been made on the science front.
Non-adherence occurs for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is driven by pure forgetfulness, while other times patients are trying to save money when they have to pay high co-pays. Studies find that the more inconvenient a drug is to take, or the harder it is to administer, the less likely patients will adhere to the proper protocols.
Here's a look at how the problem has evolved, what the industry is doing to combat poor compliance, trends shaping the issue and the new deals with payers that are rooted in adherence.
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Medication adherence: The secret sauce for better outcomes?
Rates of non-adherence vary widely and depend on the condition, price and other issues. But unfilled prescriptions and missed doses cost the healthcare system billions annually. Read More >>
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5 trends changing drug adherence for the better
Many things can affect whether a patient takes a drug as prescribed, but stakeholders are intervening in order to make patients more compliant with their meds. Read More >>
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Can value-based deals work if patients don't take the drug?
Drugmakers and payers are experimenting with how to align a drug's price with its value. Ensuring patient adherence is the first step to making sure the innovative deals get off the ground. Read More >>
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Solutions to clinical trial adherence remain elusive
Making sure patients take their medications is crucial to clinical trial success, but exactly how to do that remains a daunting task for investigators. Read More >>
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Pharma's non-adherence problem is growing
An updated report pegs total global revenue loss at an incredible $637 billion, up nearly 13% from 2012. Read More >>