Aetna, Merck sales and marketing update

Aetna and Merck signed a value-based contract covering diabetes drugs Januvia sitagliptin and Janumet sitagliptin/metformin. Aetna said that under the multiyear contract, which is effective Jan. 1, the insurer will analyze claims data to determine whether Type II diabetics are achieving treatment goals or require further therapy, as determined by their physicians. Merck will provide rebates if targets are not met but declined to disclose further financial terms. Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, and Janumet is a combination of Januvia plus metformin.

Additionally, Merck is collaborating with Aetna on AetnaCare. The pharma will provide educational resources and tools to help address patient engagement, patient behavior and treatment adherence. ...