YARDLEY, PA — Optinose (NASDAQ: OPTN) announced this week that its drug XHANCE® (fluticasone propionate) has been added to Express Scripts’ national formularies. These include the National Preferred, Flex, and Basic formularies, which cover more than 24 million people in the U.S.
XHANCE is approved for treating chronic rhinosinusitis, a condition affecting about 30 million American adults. This approval is particularly significant because XHANCE is the only medication approved for the most common type of chronic rhinosinusitis—without nasal polyps.
Dr. Ramy Mahmoud, CEO of Optinose, expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of XHANCE as a preferred option. “Our recently published landmark studies in chronic sinusitis, and the recent FDA approval, mark a breakthrough for doctors and patients who want safe and effective treatment for one of the most common diagnoses in adult outpatient medicine,” he said. Mahmoud anticipates that this addition will increase patient access to the only evidence-based prescription treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Improving Life Quality
Chronic rhinosinusitis significantly impairs quality of life. Research compares its impact to other serious conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sciatica, and migraines. Symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pain, and reduced sense of smell, which can severely affect daily activities and overall well-being.
The ReOpen clinical trial program, cited by Optinose, was groundbreaking. It was the first controlled trial to show significant improvements in both symptoms and sinus inflammation for patients with chronic sinusitis, regardless of nasal polyps. The study also documented a significant reduction in acute exacerbations, or flare-ups, of the condition.
Market Dynamics
Adding XHANCE to Express Scripts’ formularies could have broad implications for the pharmaceutical market and healthcare providers. By being included in these large formularies, XHANCE becomes more accessible to millions of patients. This accessibility is crucial, as patients often face barriers to treatment due to medication costs and availability.
For healthcare providers, having a reliable, evidence-based treatment like XHANCE means better management options for chronic rhinosinusitis. Improved management can lead to fewer acute episodes, reducing the need for emergency interventions and hospital visits.
Transforming Chronic Rhinosinusitis Treatment
Optinose’s achievement in getting XHANCE on Express Scripts’ formularies represents a significant step forward in treating chronic rhinosinusitis. With increased patient access, the potential for improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs becomes more attainable. This development marks a notable advancement in managing one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the U.S.
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