STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AGENTS

The use of biologic response modifiers to demonstrate a value-driven a pproach to strategic management by pharmacists is described. To partic ipate in decisions on the use of technology in their institutions, pha rmacists must practice strategic management. This process includes env ironmental scanning, analysis of clinical and pharmacoeconomic data, a nd development of clinical management approaches. It is ideal for anal yzing biologic response modifiers such as filgrastim and sargramostim. Emphasis must be placed on maximizing the fit among the products, the institution, and the health care environment. Pharmacists will find p lentiful opportunities for clinical management with biotechnology agen ts. Practitioners who specialize in determining the total cost of care by using pharmacoeconomic methods are needed, as are practitioners tr ained to monitor the complicated biotechnology agents. Also, the insti tution needs to forecast accurately the impact of emerging biotechnolo gy agents. If pharmacists can develop and control clinical, pharmacoec onomic, and reimbursement information databases for biotechnology agen ts, the pharmacy profession will be in a strong position to meet the c hallenges of biotechnology and realize the inherent opportunities.