Other PBMs May Settle With FTC On Insulin Suits
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) may be close to settlement in its insulin suits with CVS Caremark and OptumRx, two of the remaining big 3 pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs). Express Scripts has already settled and any future settlements are expected to be as far-reaching in terms of impacting existing business practices.
The FTC said in a court filing that it is making “significant progress” in talks with the two PBMs,
Additional article: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/ftc-seeing-progress-discussions-optum-caremark-insulin-case
#pbms #drugpricing #ftc
https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/optumrx-caremark-progress-ftc-settlement-insulin-case/813834
Eli Lilly Launches DTC Platform
Eli Lilly has officially launched Employer Connect, its direct-to-employer platform for its obesity medications. The program is aimed at supporting employer choice with multiple models. It will launch with more than 15 independent program administrators as partners. Lilly will offer Zepbound KwikPen to network pharmacies at a discounted $449 price.
#glp1s #drugpricing #weightlossdrugs #employercoverage
Hospitals Ask For Halt To Manufacturer Data Request in 340B
The hospital lobby is asking federal officials to halt expanded data collection policies some drug makers are implementing in the 340B drug discount program. Some manufacturers are asking for claims-level data for all pharmacy and medical dispensations. Previously, such data was collected on a limited basis.
#340b #branddrugmakers #hospitals
New Study Shows GLP-1s Reduce Addiction
Anecdotal reports have been compiled showing people on GLP-1s say they no longer felt the urge to drink alcohol or use drugs. And peer-reviewed studies are now documenting this. Most research has focused on alcohol use disorder, but a new study looks at the effects GLP-1s have on other substance use disorders, including cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and opioids. Researchers analyzed patient records from more than 600,000 people in a Department of Veterans Affairs database, largely those who were aged and male and all of whom had diabetes.
The emulated target trial was characterized as the “strongest form of observational evidence” showing a positive impact on addiction. The researchers want to confirm results with a randomized trial. The new results showed that among people with pre-existing substance use disorders, there were fewer emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths related to their substance use across the board.
Additional article: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/glp1-drugs-addiction-alcohol-opioids-cigarettes-substance-use-disorder-rcna261746
#glp1s #addiction
https://www.medpagetoday.com/psychiatry/addictions/120182
— Marc S. Ryan
