Online Resources Could Help Address Gaps in Pain Management
Focus group participants were receptive to using eHealth tools, but noted several barriers such as cost and availability.
Health Care Costs, Financial Scams Top List of Health Concerns Among Older Adults
Participants were asked to rate their level of concern on 26 health topics.
Weekend ICYMI: August 12 to August 16
In case you missed it, this week we had news about digital therapeutics for depression, bracing for fall allergies, at-home tests for sexually transmitted infections, and more.
FDA Grants Marketing Authorization to First-Ever OTC Syphilis Test
First To Know Syphilis Tests are expected to be available at major national retailers and online in late 2024.
How PBMs Impact Independent Pharmacies
Tom DePietro, PharmD, owner of DePietro’s Pharmacy in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, discussed his experience as an independent pharmacy owner working under the thumb of pharmacy benefit managers.
FDA Roundup: First Treatment for Hypoparathyroidism, Disposable CGM Approval
Check out important updates from the FDA for the week of August 12.
MedAdvisor, BEN Partner to Introduce AI-Driven Medication Advisor
The partnership’s revolutionary new product is set to premiere at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ Total Store Expo in Boston, Massachusetts, kicking off on August 17, 2024.
Social, Economic Barriers Impact Access to Opioid Use Disorder Medications
Community pharmacies in counties with high racialized economic segregation had higher odds of restricting buprenorphine.
Despite Success of Vaccines for Children Program, Disparities Persist
A CDC report called for “increased efforts” to ensure parents can obtain all recommended vaccines for their eligible children and realize the full potential of the VFC program.
Prices Released for First 10 Drugs Selected in Medicare Negotiations
New prices will go into effect on January 1, 2026, for individuals covered by Medicare Part D prescription drugs.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment Shows Positive Results in Phase 3 Trial
Izokibep from Affibody is a small therapeutic protein designed to inhibit IL-17A.
FDA Approves Medtronic’s Disposable CGM
Medtronic also announced it has entered a global partnership with Abbott in an effort to expand CGM device options for patients living with diabetes.
Q&A: An Independent Pharmacist’s Hopes for PBM Reform
Tom DePietro, PharmD, owner of DePietro’s Pharmacy in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, talked about current movement toward PBM reform and his hopes for the future of pharmacy.
Dengue Vaccine TAK-003 Confirmed to be Safe, Effective
TAK-003 could be a powerful combatant against the increasing global threat of dengue virus.
First FDA-Approved Digital Therapeutic to Treat Depression Now Available in App Stores
Rejoyn, developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Click Therapeutics, is only accessible with a prescription from a health care provider.
FDA Approves First Monoclonal Antibody to Treat Prurigo Nodularis
Two phase 3 trials evaluating nemolizumab found that 41% of patients treated with the therapy achieved at least a 4-point reduction in itch intensity at week 16.
Q&A: How PBMs Impact Patient Care
Tom DePietro, PharmD, owner of DePietro’s Pharmacy in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, shared his thoughts on how patients are treated within the drug supply chain.
Novel Treatment Is Approved for Myelodysplastic Syndromes With Transfusion-Dependent Anemia
The FDA approved imetelstat (Rytelo) in June 2024.
PQA Call to Action Identifies Eight Areas for Improving Medication Therapy Management Service Quality and Measurement
Call Developed as Part of National Initiative with Stakeholder Input.
FDA Approves First Treatment for Hypoparathyroidism in Adults
Ascendis Pharma said it is currently completing manufacturing of commercial product, which it anticipates will be available in the US in the first quarter of 2025.
Q&A: Unveiling the Current State of PBMs’ Role in Independent Pharmacy
Tom DePietro, PharmD, owner of DePietro’s Pharmacy in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, discussed the current state of independent pharmacy and the role pharmacy benefit managers play within the supply chain.
Get Into Politics or Get Out of Pharmacy
Our congressional representatives have plenty of interaction with PBM lobbyists. It’s time they hear from patients as well.
Weekend ICYMI: August 5 to August 9
In case you missed it, this week we had news about opioid prescribing for patients with chronic pain, a possible link between cannabis and cancer, preparing for the upcoming flu season, and more.
FDA Rejects MDMA-Assisted Therapy to Treat PTSD in Setback for Psychedelic Medicine
The agency said it could not approve the new drug application based on the submitted data and requested an additional Phase 3 trial to “further study the safety and efficacy” of the therapy.
Cannabis Use Associated with Increased Risk of Head and Neck Cancer
A cohort study was conducted to address the association between patients with cannabis-related disorders and their risk of developing head and neck cancer.
FDA Approves First Needle-Free Epinephrine Nasal Spray
The epinephrine nasal spray from ARS Pharmaceuticals has become the first and only needle-free epinephrine alternative and the first new delivery method for epinephrine in over 3 decades.
The 2024-2025 Flu Season: What to Expect
The composition of the latest flu vaccine has changed. Here’s what pharmacists need to know.
New Report Scrutinizes PBM Spread Pricing Practice
Findings from the study conducted by 3 Axis Advisors confirm that PBM practices have an impact on pharmacies.
FDA Roundup: Implications of Potential MDMA Approval, Nalmefene for Opioid Overdose
Check out important updates from the FDA for the week of August 5.
Extended Guselkumab Dosing Intervals to Treat Psoriasis
Researchers addressed the difference between prescribing guselkumab doses every 16 weeks and every 8 weeks for super responder patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
