MedImpact Study Compares Single- vs. Multiple-Pill Regimen Combinations to Better Manage Cardiovascular Risk.

Findings provide insight to physicians about drug therapies that may improve drug compliance, lower risk and better manage health care costs

SAN DIEGO -- MedImpact, the nation's largest pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company that does not sell drugs, today announced it has completed a research study assessing compliance rates for a single-pill fixed-dose combination versus two-pill combinations in patients with multiple cardiovascular risks. Results showed that adherence (also known as compliance) rates were significantly higher for the single-pill option. Research highlights were presented at the 21st Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) in Fukuoka, Japan on October 17, 2006 and the Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association (AHA) in Chicago, IL on November 12, 2006. The University of Southern California, Yale University and Pfizer were collaborators on the study.

"Adherence rates and percentage of patients achieving adherence with a single-pill combination of an antihypertensive and a cholesterol-lowering agent were superior to various multi-pill combination therapies," said Dr. Louis Brunetti, medical director for MedImpact. "Since the study indicates greater adherence for the single pill, physicians now have valuable information to help them select a drug therapy that may yield better results for their patients who need treatment for both hypertension and high cholesterol."

High blood pressure and high cholesterol each increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. When a person has both conditions, the risk is even greater. Drug therapies that manage hypertension and cholesterol reduce this risk, but many patients are not adherent with these drug treatments. Studies compared adherence rates for one single-pill (Caduet, amlodipine + atorvastatin) combination as well as four different two-pill combinations of similar agents in the general population and a senior (65+ years of age) population.

Research findings showed that patients using the single-pill were as much as three times as likely to be adherent while taking the therapy than were patients using two-pill combination therapies, and were as much as 36 percent less likely to discontinue their drug treatment among the general population. In addition, results were consistent among seniors, where patients were 25 to 225 percent more likely to be adherent to therapy. These results are significant because they may improve patient adherence, lower risk of heart attack or stroke, and better manage overall health care costs.

"Our commitment to research, such as this adherence/compliance study, is just another example of how MedImpact strives to provide information that can contribute to improved clinical outcomes, increased satisfaction for our clients and their members, and lower cost of care," said Dr. Brunetti. "The authors and contributors of the MedImpact study, along with colleagues at USC, Yale University and Pfizer, are to be commended for this high quality study that delivers meaningful results for physicians, patients, and payors."

About MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.

MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc., based in San Diego, California, was founded in 1989. The company currently services 27 million members nationwide with clients that include Fortune 500 corporations, unions, managed care organizations, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, as well as local, state and federal employee programs. MedImpact bases its success on delivering innovative products and services designed to lower overall client cost while increasing member satisfaction and quality of care.