Monday, Aug 20, 2018

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Immune System Response Discovery in Newborns Could Lead to Earlier Vaccine Administration

In this Issue


•	IVIG/Albumin Supply Index
•	Open Market Pricing
•	New Products from FFF
•	Current Medicare IVIG / SCIG Rates
•	Resources
•	Subscribe to IG Living and BioSupply Trends Quarterly

Researchers at the TCD School of Medicine and the National Children's Research Centre in Ireland have discovered a distinct immune response in newborns that could lead to both earlier vaccine administration and reduced need for multiple booster shots. [ read more ]

Study Pinpoints Rare Gene Mutation That Causes Primary Immunodeficiencies

Researchers have pinpointed rare mutations in the receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1) gene that cause primary immunodeficiencies. The RIPK1 gene is essential in mediating cellular functions that stimulate immune cells responsible for fighting infections and mitigating the body's reaction to inflammation. [ read more ]

Zika Virus Blood Screening Guidelines Revised by FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revised its recommendations for testing blood donations for the Zika virus, allowing for pooled testing of donations using a screening test it has licensed.
[ read more ]

Industry News

From Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association

In March, the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association unveiled its new global initiative titled "How Is Your Day" - Making the Difference with Plasma Proteins, a campaign focusing on differentiating these unique therapies from traditional pharmaceuticals and building awareness on the value they provide for people living with rare, life-threatening, chronic and genetic diseases. [ read more ]

From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning about a shortage of Shingrix, the newest shingles vaccine recommended for individuals 50 years and older, due to greater-than-expected demand. [ read more ]

From Genentech

Genentech's baloxavir marboxil, an experimental, single-dose flu drug, has been given priority review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so it could be approved by the end of 2018 ahead of the next influenza season. Baloxavir marboxil is taken by mouth and behaves in a different way than other antivirals by targeting a protein that is critical for the repication of the influenza virus. It can also tackle various flu varieties such as H7N9 and H5N1. [ read more ]

IVIG & Albumin Supply Index

Log in to BioSupply for IVIG and Albumin Product Pricing

Back-to-School Checklist -
Are Immunizations on It?

It's that time of year again—summer break is over, and kids are back in school. Parents around the country are making sure their children have the things they need: new clothes, backpacks, and school supplies. But are vaccinations on that back-to-school checklist? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics have recommended immunization schedules that should be an essential part of every parent's back-to-school checklist. Children of all ages need vaccinations to protect them from serious, and often fatal, diseases. Last year's flu season was especially severe, with 176 flu-related pediatric deaths; a record high for a single flu season. Close to 80% of these pediatric deaths were children who had not received an influenza vaccination. So, before the new school year is in full swing, it's important for parents to make sure their children are equipped with all the things they need, from cool new kicks, to their childhood immunizations.

For more information about available PEDIATRIC VACCINES, login to biosupply.fffenterprises.com.

These products can be ordered from FFF Enterprise's BioSupply Online Ordering System or by calling
Wow! Customer Care at (800) 843-7477.

Current Medicare IVIG / SCIG Rates

Rates per gram are effective July 1, 2018, through September 30, 2018.

Product	J Codes	ASP + 6% (before sequester)	ASP + 4.3%* (after sequester)
IVIG
Carimune NF	J1566	$82.81	$81.48
Flebogamma	J1572	$72.15	$71.00
Gammagard S/D	J1566	$82.81	$81.48
Gammaplex	J1557	$111.54	$109.75
Octagam	J1568	$66.32	$65.25
Privigen	J1459	$79.34	$78.07
SCIG
CUVITRU	J1555	$135.01	$132.84
Hizentra	J1559	$98.50	$96.92
HyQvia	J1575	$145.38	$143.05
IVIG / SCIG
Gammagard Liquid	J1569	$101.11	$99.49
Gammaked	J1561	$82.42	$81.09
Gamunex-C	J1561	$82.42	$81.09

*Reflects 2% sequestration reduction applied to 80% Medicare payment portion as required under Budget Control Act of 2011.

Log in to BioSupply for Immune Globulin Products

Resources

FFF customers may order the following complementary resources to help you with your practice:


•	IG Immune Globulin (Human)
•	Hyperimmune Globulins
•	Anti-Inhibitor, Factor VIIa & IX
•	Factor VIII & von Willebrand Factor
•	Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Subscribe to IG Living

IG Living is the only magazine for the immune globulin (IG) community for patients who suffer from chronic illness and their caregivers.

Subscribe to BioSupply
Trends Quarterly

BioSupply Trends Quarterly magazine is the definitive source for industry trends, news and information for the biopharmaceuticals marketplace.