Denise Myshko

A new California law prohibits spread pricing and requires all rebates to be passed to health plans and is an important step toward transparency across the entire pharmacy supply chain, said Blue Shield of California’s Kathy Chang in an interview.

A real-world analysis shows Shingrix effectively prevents shingles in adults over the age of 65, including immunocompromised people. Two doses provide better protection than one.

Children and adolescents who are infected with COVID-19 more than one time are at an increased risk of heart inflammation, blood clots, and other serious complications.

A recent study finds that despite biosimilar use rising to 60% to 86% for three cancer drugs, predicted savings don’t match those that would be achieved from a site-neutral reimbursement strategy.

Jascayd targets the enzyme PDE4B, which plays a role in the inflammatory process. The new therapy is able to affect both fibrosis and the immune system. It will be available in the next few weeks.

Pfizer only offered to discount six products through the Most Favored Nation program, and healthcare policy experts suggest the real-world impact remains uncertain.

In a recent trial, verapamil showed a trend toward preserving insulin-producing beta cells in patients with Type 1 diabetes but failed to achieve statistical significance.

As part of the Most Favored Nation pricing effort, Pfizer has agreed to invest in U.S. manufacturing and to allow access to its drugs at a discount through a new direct-to-patient website.

Novartis said that it is exploring an additional direct-to-employer model to increase access and affordability for cash-paying patients in the United States.

If approved, Awiqli would become the first once-weekly basal insulin available in the United States for adults with Type 2 diabetes.

AstraZeneca will launch a new online platform to make Airsupra, as well as Farxiga and Flumist, available for home delivery at a cash price that is up to 70% off the list price.

Investigators have identified the lowest dose of the immunosuppressive ATG needed to preserve beta cells in newly diagnosed children with Type 1 diabetes with the lowest side effects.

Increasing the cholesterol-lowering protein ApoM in mice improved retinal health and may be the key to slowing age-related macular degeneration in its earliest stages.

Brian K. Lee, Ph.D., of Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, says that despite the fact that some studies suggest there is link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders, there is a lack of evidence to support that conclusion.

Optum Rx has increased brand drug reimbursement minimums for 2,300 independent pharmacies that are not its network.

A new study has found that caffeine and other substances can influence gene regulation in Escherichia coli bacteria, making them more resistant to antibiotics.

Former CDC director Susan Monarez, Ph.D., testified at today’s Senate hearing that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed her to fire scientists for refusing to rubber-stamp vaccine changes.

Providers also have concerns about being able to stock certain medications, which would have a negative impact on their patients, according the Avalere Health survey.

The NIH is funding a new study at Weill Cornell that aims to identify the regulatory roles of gene variants involved in Type 1 diabetes development.

Ocaliva, approved for primary biliary cholangitis, faced FDA warnings and restrictions after postmarket data showed higher risks of liver transplant and death among treated patients.

CT-155, a smartphone-based prescription digital therapeutic, addresses an unmet need in schizophrenia, showing safety and efficacy in a phase 3 trial.

Two separate analyses in Health Affairs find the One Big Beautiful Bill creates a loophole that exempts or delays orphan drugs — many of them blockbuster drugs that generate billions of dollars in sales — from price negotiations.

ICER’s comparative effectiveness and value review of Wegovy, Zepbound and oral semaglutide finds they are highly effective treatments with significant health benefits, but affordability and long-term management are still unresolved.

Panelists at a session at the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute’s annual meeting in Orlando discussed how stop-loss insurance addresses rising costs from cell therapies, oncology treatments, and orphan drugs affecting self-funded employer plans.

At the PBMI annual meeting, experts warned that soaring prices for new cancer therapies require greater data sharing, precision medicine and value-based contracts to ensure patients get access to effective treatments without overwhelming costs.

IQVIA’s Scott Briggs forecasts increased GLP-1 drug spending, limited biosimilar savings and patient adherence hurdles for novel therapies at the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute’s annual meeting in Orlando.

Employers face rising healthcare costs and specialty drug challenges, prompting a shift towards strategic partnerships with PBMs for better solutions, according to Karen van Caulil, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Florida Alliance for Healthcare Value, who chatted with MHE in the final installment of a two-part video interview.

Employers are demanding more transparency and partnership from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), according to Karen van Caulil, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Florida Alliance for Healthcare Value, who spoke with MHE ahead of her remarks at the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute’s annual meeting in Orlando.

New approaches are needed to manage the costs, access and adherence issues related to the GLP-1 drugs, say panelists at the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute’s annual meeting in Orlando.

Pharmacy and medical benefit programs have traditionally operated separately, despite having similarities. Nishi Goel, Pharm.D., vice president of customer experience, Agadia, is trying to change that.