Strategic planning for the management of biotechnologic products: development of a biotech committee.

Strategies and tactics for managing biotechnologic products are critical to cope with the increasing number and cost of such products. One strategy is to develop a biotech committee to formulate long-term goals for managing biotechnologic products and to evaluate controversial or extremely expensive new products and recommend their formulary status to the P & T Committee. Involvement of the P & T Committee is crucial to establish strict criteria and monitors to ensure the appropriate and cost-effective use of these products. Involvement of the pharmacy department is also essential to detect usage patterns and reimbursement profiles of approved biotechnologic products in the hospital, as well as their potential financial impact on the hospital's budget.