Here are the top stories from the last week:
Industry Updates
Former NCPA President Presses for PBM Reform in Congressional Hearing
Hugh Chancy, former president of the National Community Pharmacists Association, advocated for PBM reform during a Congressional hearing, citing their anticompetitive tactics that lead to higher costs and limited choices. Read more »
Democrats & Republicans Agree: GLP-1 Medications Should Be Covered by Medicare & Medicaid
A national poll shows bipartisan support for covering GLP-1 medications under Medicare and Medicare, contrasting with proposed cuts to health programs. Read more »
New Prescription Robot at Michigan Health Care Pharmacy Fills Community Need
A new robot named “Rosie” at Cass Family Clinic is helping meet the demand for prescriptions, enhancing service efficiency in the community. Read more »
FDA Ends Semaglutide Shortage Listing, Contributing to Ongoing Legal Challenges
The Food & Drug Administration has removed semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) from the drug shortage list, noting that pharmacies may still face localized availability issues. Read more »
New Social Media Program Aims to Simplify Marketing for Independent Pharmacies
Windmill Health Products and Health Media Concepts have teamed up on a social media program that enables independent pharmacies to effectively reach local communities through platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Read more »
Kinney Drugs Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Access for High-Risk Individuals
Kinney Drugs is enhancing access to COVID-19 vaccines for high-risk groups, ensuring those vaccinated in the fall can receive a second dose. Read more »
CVS Pharmacy Rolls Out Enhanced Flu Testing & Treatment
CVS is launching a new combo test for Flu A, Flu B, and COVID-19 across select pharmacies in 37 states, responding to high flu case numbers. Read more »
Drug Updates
FDA Accepts Alvotech, Teva’s BLA for Proposed Eylea Biosimilar
The FDA has accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) for a proposed biosimiliar to Eylea, a biologic used to treat eye disorders that can lead to vision loss or blindness. Read more »
Amneal Launches Generic Asacol HD, Receives FDA Nod for Generic Revlimid
Amneal Pharmaceuticals has launched a generic version of Asacol HD and received FDA approval for a generic version of Revlimid, which are used to treat ulcerative colitis and several blood cancers, respectively. Read more »
FDA Gives Sanoifi-Aventis Green Light for Novolog Biosimiliar
The FDA has approved Merilog, a rapid-acting human insulin analog, marking it as the first rapid-acting insulin biosimilar product approved by the FDA. Read more »
Twice-Daily Ruxolitinib Cream Improves Atopic Dermatitis
A report by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) shows that twice-daily application of 1.5% ruxolitinib cream significantly improves the atopic dermatitis severity in children, adolescents, and adults. Read more »