INPEFA® (Sotagliflozin) Receives Preferred Formulary Status With Express Scripts For Medicare Patients

INPEFA, a groundbreaking treatment for heart failure, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This significant milestone has paved the way for improved access to this life-changing medication for patients in need. Express Scripts, the pharmacy benefits management (PBM) business of The Cigna Group’s Evernorth, has also recognized the value of INPEFA and will list it as a preferred product on Medicare national formularies starting November 1, 2023.

The approval of INPEFA by the FDA marks a major breakthrough in the treatment of heart failure. This once-daily oral tablet has been specifically designed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, and urgent heart failure visits in adults with certain indications. With the FDA’s stamp of approval, patients can now benefit from this innovative medication.

Express Scripts, a leading pharmacy benefits management company, has taken swift action to ensure that INPEFA is accessible to Medicare patients. By including INPEFA on its Premier Access and Premier Performance national formularies, Express Scripts is providing Medicare patients with the opportunity to receive this life-saving treatment. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and ensuring access to innovative therapies.

Lonnel Coats, Lexicon’s chief executive officer, expressed his pride and gratitude for the expeditious steps taken by Express Scripts to make INPEFA available to those who need it most. This collaboration between Lexicon Pharmaceuticals and Express Scripts is a testament to their shared goal of advancing patient care and improving the lives of individuals living with heart failure.

INPEFA, discovered using Lexicon’s unique approach to gene science, is an oral inhibitor of two proteins responsible for glucose regulation. By targeting these proteins, known as sodium-glucose cotransporter types 2 and 1 (SGLT2 and SGLT1), INPEFA offers a novel approach to managing heart failure. Extensive clinical studies involving approximately 20,000 patients have demonstrated the potential of INPEFA in various patient populations, including those with heart failure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.

While INPEFA offers significant therapeutic benefits, it is essential to consider the important safety information associated with its use. Before initiating treatment, healthcare professionals should assess renal function and volume status and correct any volume depletion if necessary. INPEFA is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component. Additionally, healthcare providers should be vigilant for potential risks such as ketoacidosis, volume depletion, urinary tract infections, hypoglycemia, necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum, and genital mycotic infections.

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to pioneering medicines that transform patients’ lives. Through its Genome5000™ program, Lexicon has identified over 100 protein targets with significant therapeutic potential in various diseases. By precisely targeting these proteins, Lexicon aims to develop innovative medicines that can safely and effectively treat a range of conditions, including heart failure, neuropathic pain, diabetes, and metabolism disorders.

With a strong focus on research and development, Lexicon has successfully brought multiple medicines to market and continues to advance a promising pipeline of drug candidates. The company’s long-term outlook remains positive, and it is committed to discovering and developing products that address unmet medical needs.

The approval of INPEFA by the FDA and its inclusion on Express Scripts’ national formularies represent significant achievements in the field of heart failure treatment. These developments offer hope to patients and healthcare professionals alike, as they provide access to an innovative therapy that can potentially improve patient outcomes and quality of life. As Lexicon Pharmaceuticals continues its mission to transform patients’ lives, the future looks promising for individuals living with heart failure.