Program Description

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cords that results in debilitating physical disability and has a high mortality rate. Within 30 months of symptom onset, 50% of patients succumb to this disease with about 80% not surviving beyond 5 years. ALS involves both upper and lower motor neurons affecting a patient’s ability to walk, swallow, think, and eventually breathe. Delays in diagnosis are common and impact prompt initiation of treatment, which is significant given the progressive nature and increased disability and mortality post diagnosis. Managed care pharmacists are crucial members of the multidisciplinary care team in care delivery for patients with ALS and can be influential in ensuring access to and appropriate use of medical and pharmacologic interventions for symptom management. This program will review investigational and currently approved treatment options for ALS, including new formulations, and considerations for availability, access, and administration. The discussion will include appropriate utilization management strategies for managed care organizations to support the multidisciplinary care of patients with ALS, with a goal of optimizing clinical outcomes and delaying disease progression.

Target audience: Managed care pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: May 3, 2023
Expiration date: May 3, 2024

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Learner level: Foundational
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

Explain the pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, and health and economic burdens associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for patients and caregivers.
Explore the efficacy and safety of current and emerging therapies for the treatment of ALS.
Identify the pivotal roles of managed care professionals in expanding efforts to ensure early diagnosis and prompt clinical intervention for management of ALS.

Disclosures

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Andrea Henry, PharmD, MBA, BCPS

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh;

Dipti Desai, PharmD, MBA, CHCP; Michelle C. Carlson, PharmD; Karleen Melody, PharmD; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta.

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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The Promising Role of Novel and Emerging Therapies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Clinical and Managed Care Insights

Andrea Henry, PharmD, MBA, BCPS