On behalf of the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Executive Director John Clymer recently presented comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) during a town hall on Medicare drug price negotiation for Tradjenta (linagliptin).
Clymer urged CMS to protect access to Tradjenta by emphasizing its distinct benefits for Medicare beneficiaries living with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Tradjenta, unlike many in its class, is renal-friendly and supported by the Cardiovascular and Renal Microvascular Outcome Study with Linagliptin (CARMELINA) trial, making it a safe and evidence-based option for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
Clymer emphasized that the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program must:
- Support treatments backed by real-world evidence and clinical trial data.
- Ensure affordability for people with limited access to care and for older adults.
- Maintain access to medications that reduce hospitalizations and cardiovascular complications.
