News Roundup: February 11 to February 18

Wicked Good Cardiometabolic Chat: Semaglutide’s Expanding Role in Chronic Disease

A recent study showed that 45% of women treated with both therapies achieved at least 20% total body weight loss.

Killian Meara;Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh, PACS;Hailey Choi, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

Real-Time Prescription Benefit Tools Need to be Improved for Patients, Payers

Seven major clinical trials reveal semaglutide’s expanding benefits beyond glucose control, showing promise in kidney, heart, liver, vascular, and obesity-related outcomes.

The Overarching Implications of PBM Reform on the State Level

Researchers addressed the current trends in prescription drug use and spending among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries during the first year of clinician access to a real-time prescription benefit tool.

Brian Nowosielski;Brett Barker, PharmD

July 10th 2025

Delays in Hypertension Diagnosis Common, Associated with Adverse Outcomes

With federal reform continuing to stall, Drug Topics caught up with Iowa State Representative Brett Barker, PharmD, to discuss how his state is regulating pharmacy benefit managers.

Q&A: Congressman Highlights PBM Reform Bill | McKesson ideaShare

Researchers investigated the timing of hypertension diagnosis, exploring how it’s associated with medication prescribing and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Ashley Gallagher;Buddy Carter, BSPharm

Tirzepatide, Hormone Therapy Combination Increases Weight Loss Among Postmenopausal Women

Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA) champions the PBM Reform Act of 2025, aiming to enhance drug price transparency and empower pharmacists in healthcare delivery.

Related Content

Killian Meara

Wicked Good Cardiometabolic Chat: Semaglutide’s Expanding Role in Chronic Disease

A recent study showed that 45% of women treated with both therapies achieved at least 20% total body weight loss.

Killian Meara;Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh, PACS;Hailey Choi, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

Real-Time Prescription Benefit Tools Need to be Improved for Patients, Payers

Seven major clinical trials reveal semaglutide’s expanding benefits beyond glucose control, showing promise in kidney, heart, liver, vascular, and obesity-related outcomes.

The Overarching Implications of PBM Reform on the State Level

Brian Nowosielski;Brett Barker, PharmD

July 10th 2025

Delays in Hypertension Diagnosis Common, Associated with Adverse Outcomes

With federal reform continuing to stall, Drug Topics caught up with Iowa State Representative Brett Barker, PharmD, to discuss how his state is regulating pharmacy benefit managers.

Q&A: Congressman Highlights PBM Reform Bill | McKesson ideaShare

Researchers investigated the timing of hypertension diagnosis, exploring how it’s associated with medication prescribing and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Ashley Gallagher;Buddy Carter, BSPharm