Here are the top stories from the last week:

Improving RSV Vaccine Coverage Could Prevent Thousands of Severe Cases in Older Adults
Low RSV vaccination rates among older adults in the US highlight missed opportunities for reducing hospitalizations and healthcare costs.
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What is the state of drug shortages?
The number of active drug shortages is 214. This is the lowest number of shortages since early 2018 and is down from an all-time high of 323 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the 2025 third quarter drug shortage report from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the University of Utah.
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Pharmacists Play Key Role in Rapid Induction, Retention for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Rajinder Shiwach, MD, MRCPsych, outlines how pharmacists can strengthen retention, patient education, and access to rapid induction strategies for opioid use disorder treatment.
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Study: Shingles vaccine lowers risk of dementia, major cardiovascular events
Study found being vaccinated against shingles decreased the risk of heart disease, dementia and death in people age 50 and older.
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Evidence Suggests Long-Term Cognitive Impact of Benzodiazepines
Long-term benzodiazepine use has been linked to lasting cognitive impairments, underscoring the vital role pharmacists play in supporting safe deprescribing strategies.
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LillyDirect, Walmart Pharmacy launch first retail pick-up option with DTC pricing for Zepbound
Patients using LillyDirect, Lilly’s direct-to-consumer healthcare platform, can access self-pay pricing for Zepbound vials at a retail pharmacy location.
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Blue Circle Health expands type 1 diabetes program to 5 more states
With the expansion, Blue Circle Health’s free type 1 diabetes program is now operating in 16 states.
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FDA aims to speed up biosimilar development and lower drug costs
In a new draft guidance, the FDA proposes major updates to simplify biosimilarity studies and reduce unnecessary clinical testing.
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