CE-25PA1003X - Bearcat Bootcamp: Targeted Therapies in Specialty Pharmacy-Neurology, Biosimilars & Anti-Inflammatories

Course Description

Specialty pharmacy refers to a branch of pharmacy that provides medications for complex or chronic conditions that typically require special handling, administration, or monitoring. These medications are often high-cost and may include treatments for diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, and certain rare or genetic conditions.

This bootcamp introduces foundational concepts in specialty pharmacy with a focus on biosimilars, neurologic conditions (migraine and multiple sclerosis), and inflammatory diseases (including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis).

Learners gain an understanding of disease characteristics, treatment guidelines, and key specialty medications, including their mechanisms of action and clinical considerations. This bootcamp also covers the role of biosimilars in therapy, including regulatory guidance, interchangeability, and cost benefits—preparing learners for success in the evolving field of specialty pharmacy.

Course Outline

Speakers and Disclosures:

Brooke Schinkal, PharmD, BCACP; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Neurology, UC Health Specialty Pharmacy; No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Kali Sassack, PharmD, BCPS, CPS; Clinical Pharmacy Lead, Manufacturer Relations Liaison, CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy; No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Maria Roberts, PharmD, CSP; Director, Specialty Clinical Programs, Maxor Plus; No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Megan Rasch, PharmD, BCACP, AAHIVP; Consultant, Rasch med Management; No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Learner Outcomes

All pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who complete this bootcamp can expect the following outcomes:

1. Explain what makes a drug a biologic or biosimilar.
2. Recall differences between generics and biosimilar products.
3. Discuss interchangeability of biosimilar products and the application of the FDA purple book for biosimilars.
4. Discuss cost benefits of biosimilar use.
5. Describe the initial assessment process for patients with these conditions.

Pharmacists who complete this bootcamp can expect the following additional outcomes:

1. Recall disease characteristics of migraine and multiple sclerosis.
2. Recall disease characteristics of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and other serious dermatological conditions.
3. Recall Disease characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis and other serious rheumatic conditions.
4. Summarize guideline recommendations for each disease process.
5. Explain the specialty medications used for these conditions, including the mechanism of action and adverse effects.
6. Identify any unique clinically relevant points about the drugs or conditions.

Pharmacy technicians who complete this bootcamp can expect the following additional outcomes:

1. Identify disease characteristics for migraine and multiple sclerosis.
2. Identify disease characteristics of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and other serious dermatological conditions.
3. Identify disease characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis and other serious rheumatic conditions.
4. Recall brand/generic names and classes of specialty drugs used for these conditions.
5. Recognize clinically relevant points about the drugs or conditions.

Who Should Register?

Additional Information

Requirements

Planners & Disclosures

The Office of Continuing Pharmacy Education has a formal grievance process to address any problems related to this activity or its administration. Comments and/or concerns about this activity should be sent to the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, 3255 Eden Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-0004, Attention: Dr. Karissa Kim. Questions about Continuing Pharmacy Education credit may be forwarded to this address. The CPE Office can be reached at (513) 558-4716 or via email at RxCPD@UC.edu.

The University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider continuing pharmacy education. Bearcat Bootcamp: Targeted Therapies in Specialty Pharmacy-Neurology, Biosimilars & Anti-Inflammatories is approved for a total of 4.5 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education (CPE) credit (0.45 CEUs). The ACPE Universal Activity Numbers (UAN) for this activity is 0050-0000-25-069-H01-P/T.