Senate Passes Key Generic and Biosimilar Drug Competition Measure
The Senate unanimously passed a bill that would bar so-called “patent thickets” and similar measures that brand drug makers use to stop the swift entry of generics and biosimilars. Drug makers would be barred from using multiple patents and lawsuits to stop generic and biosimilar approval. As well, the companies could not essentially “re-patent” drugs by making cosmetic changes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would also have power to impose limits on patent litigation on biologics.
(Article may require a subscription.)
#drugpricing #branddrugmakers #biosimilars #generics
Could Smaller, Innovative PBMs Thrive At Expense of Big 3
Not too many years ago, the Big 3 pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) dominated the business because their size and scope delivered the most cost-savings. But the rise of transparency and headlines about how traditional PBMs could be abusing employers and insurers has smaller PBMs, including those with transparent models, starting to displace the Big 3 with insurers and employer groups. It will be a long transition, but the juggernaut could be broken.
(Article may require a subscription.)
#pbms #drugpricing #transparency
https://www.modernhealthcare.com/insurance/pbms-transparency-cvs-caremark-express-scripts
MA Disputes At The Center Of Hospital Contracting
New data suggests that Medicare Advantage (MA) contracting is center stage for hospitals right now. About 16% of hospitals surveyed have terminated one or more contracts with MA plans and 45% more could do so. And those surveyed reveal ongoing disputes each quarter. MA is proving very popular in rural areas, but growth there could hinge on ongoing contracts with hospitals. Hospitals hate the fact that MA plans have tried to control unnecessary hospital expenses. Hospitals love the unfettered money machine that the traditional fee-for-service (FFS) program is for them.
#hospitals #healthplans #medicareadvantage
Is Retail Healthcare In Trouble?
Walmart has shuttered its healthcare centers, while Walgreens’ primary care investment is cratering. CVS Health has backed away too looking for other investment in its Oak Street subsidiary. So is retail healthcare doomed? The article discusses some of the challenges.
#retailmeetshealthcare #primarycare
https://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com/view/if-walmart-can-t-do-it-who-can-
— Marc S. Ryan
