Lauren Biscaldi, MS

Novavax is still awaiting FDA authorization for their protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.

Addressing the external factors that can have an impact on patient health can make clinical interventions more effective when administered.

The tools that can be used to reduce health disparities exist, but they must be widely disseminated to populations across the US.

Pharmacists can fill a role for patients, but without technology supporting workflows and reimbursement efforts, challenges will remain.

Through Surescripts, pharmacists can cut down on back-and-forth with prescribers’ offices, saving valuable time for patient care.

Pharmacists must be able to view clinical information about patients in order to provide the best clinical care.

However, reimbursement for these services for pharmacists remains a crucial issue.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is active at both the federal and state levels in advocating for PBM reform.

Inviting members of Congress into the pharmacy helps legislators experience first hand the value that pharmacists bring to their communities.

Bipartisan support—in a polarized Congress—underscores the importance of pharmacy benefit manager reform.

A collaboration with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina focused on commercial populations has improved care and lowered costs in the state.

Both the restructuring of direct and indirect remuneration fees and health care cyber attacks made an impact on the industry in the first half of 2024.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, GLP-1 therapies are expected to continue making headlines within the industry.

To scale up diabetes intervention programs, sustainable workflows, trainings, and payment models are key.

Pharmacists need support—through partnerships and reimbursement—to provide more diverse services to patients.

Sustainable health care models require buy-in from multiple stakeholders, including pharmacists, payers, and patients.

Sustainable pharmacy partnerships require addressing financial, technology, and customer needs.

Ragweed season begins in late August and can run through early November.

As the role of pharmacists continues to change, new digital tools can help improve medication adherence and patient outcomes.

As clinical research continues, investigators are learning more about how GLP-1 drugs modify cardiovascular risks.

Lifestyle changes—including eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—can help patients, especially those with diabetes or hypertension, improve outcomes.

Sharing concrete steps and suggestions can help ease the way for patients looking to transition to a more healthful lifestyle.

Health care professionals all agree that a healthy diet is the foundation of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health, but follow-through on the population level is lacking.

GLP-1 therapies are being evaluated to treat cardiovascular and kidney diseases in individuals with overweight or obesity.

These therapies are highly beneficial, but can come with a host of gastrointestinal adverse effects that patients may not be prepared to manage alone.

Some patients may have difficulty managing the gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with GLP-1 therapies.

Losing even 5% of body weight can improve comorbid conditions and other health complications for individuals with overweight and obesity.

Data will be discussed with regulatory authorities “in the coming months.”

The drug was FDA approved as antihemophilic factor (recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN Fusion Protein-ehtl (Altuviiio) in February 2023.

The approval offers a first of its kind treatment option for patients living with nonerosive GERD.