Optum is tracking four drugs for recent or potential mid-2021 FDA approval, according to the payer's latest Drug Pipeline Insights Report.
Kerendia
Approved July 9, the drug is primarily used for treating chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular damage tied to Type 2 diabetes. The drug competes against similar, comparatively inexpensive drugs.
Atogepant (Brand name to be determined)
Atogepant is poised to compete with six other drugs that combat chronic and episodic migraines in adults, but early trials suggest it could either be with or ahead of the pack in terms of efficacy. The drug is still awaiting FDA approval, which is expected during the third quarter of 2021.
Bylvay
The drug treats symptoms tied to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. It was approved by the FDA on July 20.
Maralixibat (Brand name to be determined)
Maralixibat treats alagille syndrome, which can lead to liver disease or failure. The report cites "high unmet needs" for treatment, and both maralixibat and Bylvay are expected to be "first-in-class" and have high price points.