Specialists in Gastroenterology (SIG) and GI Alliance are excited
to announce that Dr. Leonard Weinstock and other GI Alliance
gastroenterologists are now actively prescribing Rezdiffra for the
treatment of noncirrhotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with
moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. Rezdiffra, a groundbreaking
medication, has recently become available and offers new hope for
patients suffering from this serious liver condition.
According to liverfoundation.org, more than 100 million people
in the U.S. have some type of liver disease and do not know they
have it. If left untreated, liver disease leads to liver failure
and liver cancer.
About Rezdiffra
Rezdiffra (resmetirom) is the first medication of its kind,
specifically approved for use alongside diet and exercise to treat
adults with NASH with stages F2 to F3 fibrosis. Just released in
May, Rezdiffra has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing
liver scarring, a major advancement for patients with this
progressive and potentially life-threatening disease.
Clinical Impact
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can advance to NASH,
leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually, the need for
a liver transplant. Rezdiffra represents a significant breakthrough
as it not only helps in reducing liver fat but also decreases
existing scar tissue. In clinical trials, more than a quarter of
patients treated with Rezdiffra showed a reduction in liver
fibrosis, compared to only 9% in the placebo group.
Dr. Leonard Weinstock, a leading gastroenterologist at
Specialists in Gastroenterology – a proud partner of GI Alliance,
the leading gastroenterology practice in the U.S. – has already
prescribed Rezdiffra to his patients, with miraculous results.
“This is a monumental step forward in treating NASH,” says Dr.
Weinstock. “While it’s promising to see such a significant
reduction in fibrosis, the high cost of the medication remains a
concern. Insurance companies must provide better coverage so more
patients can benefit from this wonderful treatment.”
Addressing Treatment Costs
The cost of Rezdiffra, approximately $46,000 per year, poses a
significant barrier to many patients, says Dr. Weinstock. Although
some insurance plans offer partial coverage, the out-of-pocket
expenses can still be substantial. Dr. Weinstock's patients were
informed by their insurance company that the best deal available
was $10,000 covered by insurance, leaving a $36,000 burden on the
patient. "This was unacceptable,” says Dr. Weinstock. “Usually,
Medicare and Medicaid offer better coverage for new medications
than commercial insurance; it’s crucial that we advocate for better
insurance support to ensure that all patients who need this
medication can access it." The drug company has announced that
there would be a variety of assistance programs based on
income.
About Specialists in Gastroenterology and GI
Alliance
Specialists in Gastroenterology, located in St. Louis, Missouri,
and GI Alliance, the nation’s leading physician-led
gastroenterology practice, are committed to providing cutting-edge
treatments and compassionate care for patients with
gastrointestinal disorders. With the introduction of Rezdiffra, SIG
and GI Alliance reaffirm their dedication to advancing patient care
through innovative solutions.
About Dr. Leonard Weinstock
Dr. Leonard Weinstock is a world renowned gastroenterologist at
Specialists in Gastroenterology (SIG) in St. Louis. With extensive
experience and a commitment to advancing gastrointestinal health,
Dr. Weinstock is at the forefront of innovative treatments for
liver diseases, including NASH.
For more information about Dr. Leonard Weinstock and Specialists
in Gastroenterology, please visit Specialists in
Gastroenterology.
“Together, we can raise awareness, advocate for better access to
life-saving medications, and support those affected by fatty liver
disease.”
Contact Information
For more information about Rezdiffra, treatment options
for NASH, or to interview Dr. Weinstock, please
contact:
Media Contact:
Joe E
Carmeanjoe@punchingnungroup.com(410)
845-0715
About GI AllianceGI Alliance is the leading,
physician-led, majority physician owned network for
gastrointestinal care in the US. GI Alliance supports practice
management for over 800 independent gastroenterologists, delivering
the highest quality GI care for patients in 400 practice
locations across Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut,
Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Missouri, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah and Washington. GI
Alliance partners with the nation’s premier GI physician
practices supporting operational management, ancillary service
development, and patient engagement, enabling practices to
focus on providing the highest quality patient care while
maintaining clinical autonomy. Investing in clinical
research, care management strategies and sharing knowledge
across the network, GI Alliance streamlines patient care, equipping
physicians with cutting edge skills and treatment protocols that
improve the patient experience and ensure the best possible
patient outcomes.
Joe Carmean
GI Alliance
4108450715
joe@punchingnungroup.com