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☆ Weight loss drugs are priced substantially higher in the U.S. than in other countries, analysis says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In this photo illustration, a box of the diabetes drug Ozempic rests on a pharmacy counter on April 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Blockbuster weight loss drugs are priced significantly higher in the U.S. than in other large, high-income countries, according to a new analysis released Thursday. The report from KFF, a health policy organization, comes as many U.S. health insurers balk at the extreme cost of weight loss drugs and drop the medications from their plans. These list prices and the patchy insurance coverage of weight loss drugs in the U.S. undoubtedly impact accessibility. New trial data released by Novo Nordisk last week could potentially put more pressure on U.S. insurers to cover weight loss drugs.

Persons: Eli, Eli Lilly weren't, Wegovy Organizations: Blockbuster, balk, Novo Nordisk, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, CNBC Locations: Los Angeles , California, U.S, KFF, Novo, Japan, Germany, Sweden, France, Netherlands, Danish

☆ Insight: What happens when a $2 million gene therapy is not enough
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( Deena Beasley | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +13 min

Their experience raises broader questions around other high-cost gene therapies coming to market, sometimes after accelerated regulatory approvals, drug pricing experts said. Gene therapies work by replacing genes – the body's blueprint for its development. The gene Zolgensma delivers instructs the body to make a protein vital for muscle control. If gene therapies do fall short, it becomes harder to justify prices that researchers have argued are already poor value. More recently, the first hemophilia gene therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was priced by CSL Behring at $3.5 million; 26 more gene therapies are in late-stage development, according to IQVIA.

Persons: Elizabeth Kutschke, Ben, Zolgensma, Ben Kutschke, neurologists, Sitra Tauscher, Wisniewski, Ben's, Roger Hajjar, Brigham Gene, Kutschke, Vasant Narasimhan, Stacie Dusetzina, Roche's, Biogen, Roche, Maha Radhakrishnan, Steven Pearson, It's, Sree Chaguturu, Amanda Cook, Weston, Jackson, Cook, Elizabeth, Jerry Mendell, Russell Butterfield, –, Biogen's, Mendell, UMR, Spinraza, Eric Cox, Caroline Humer, Sara Ledwith Organizations: Reuters, U.S, Novartis, IQVIA Institute, Human Data, Novartis Gene Therapies, Mass, Cell Therapy, U.S . Food, Drug Administration, CSL Behring, CSL, Nashville's Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Clinical, Economic, CVS Health, Aetna, SMA, Nationwide Children's Hospital, University of Utah Health, Children's, UnitedHealth, Thomson Locations: Oak Park, Berwyn , Illinois, Swiss, U.S, Lebanon , Virginia, United States, Columbus , Ohio, Russia, Kazakhstan, Chicago

☆ Obesity drug data could boost companies' case for US coverage, analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Patrick Wingrove | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Wegovy prescriptions were up 300% at their peak, according to data from Barclays, before supply issues began to hamper sales. A COMPELLING CASEAnalysts said the data made a compelling case for long-term health benefits of the drug. Analysts were divided on whether Medicare could potentially cover Wegovy as a cardiovascular treatment without a new law passing. Three doctors specializing in obesity treatment, including a cardiologist, were not sure whether such an indication would allow for Medicare coverage. Companies that provide healthcare insurance have begun pulling back on coverage of weight loss drugs because of the high cost of the medicines.

Persons: Read, Eli Lilly, Stacie Dusetzina, Wegovy, Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, Evan Seigerman, Eugene Yang, Morningstar, Damien Conover, Tom Carper, Eli Lilly's, Dusetzina, Patrick Wingrove, Elissa Welle, Ahmed Aboulenein, Caroline Humer Organizations: Novo Nordisk, U.S, Vanderbilt University, Medicare, Barclays, University of Washington Medicine, Companies, Democratic, Novo, Reuters, Democrat, Republican, Thomson Locations: New York, Danish, Washington

☆ Lyme disease: A doctor explains what it is
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —As model Bella Hadid opens up about Lyme disease and other health issues, her ordeal brings up many questions. Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of a particular tick, the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus). CNN: Is there a blood test one could take to see whether they have Lyme disease? False positives can also occur, with some other tickborne diseases and autoimmune illnesses triggering a positive result in the absence of Lyme disease. Wen: Without a vaccine, the best way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites.

Persons: Bella Hadid, Leana Wen, Lyme, Wen, It’s Organizations: CNN, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Getty, National Institute of Allergy, Pfizer Locations: Lyme, United States

☆ Eli Lilly's stock jumps on promising weight-loss drug
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailEli Lilly's stock jumps on promising weight-loss drugDr. Ezekiel Emanuel, fmr. Obama White House health policy advisor, joins 'Last Call' to talk the Eli Lilly's stock reaction to its weight-loss drug, rising obesity rates in the U.S. and more.

Persons: Eli Lilly's, Ezekiel Emanuel, fmr, Obama Organizations: Obama White House Locations: U.S

☆ Virtual Healthcare Has Green Benefits
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Cecilia Butini | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +8 min

Virtual doctor’s appointments are helping healthcare companies reduce carbon emissions, though sustainability is mostly seen as a side benefit of telehealth rather than its main driver. The healthcare industry is responsible for about 5% of global greenhouse-gas emissions, of which the U.S. healthcare system alone accounts for a quarter. Similarly, in England, medicines, buildings, equipment and other supply-chain items generate most of the National Health Service’s emissions, according to official NHS figures. The company has designed an app for teleconsultations that is able to show patients the carbon emissions avoided through that consultation. In line with national data, the company said its Scope 3 emissions account for 75% of its total emissions.

Persons: telehealth, Cynthia Cox, KFF, ”, Colin Cave, ” Cave, Glyn Richards, Ben Phillips, BUPA, Marijka Grey, Kyle Zebley, — Dieter Holger, Cecilia Butini Organizations: McKinsey, Sustainable Business, Affordable, Energy, U.S . Agency for Healthcare Research, National Health, Kaiser Permanente, Permanente Kaiser Permanente, Spain —, CommonSpirit Health, CommonSpirit, American Telemedicine Association Locations: England, telemedicine, Kaiser, U.S, Northwest, U.K, Spain, Grey, Europe

☆ ‘Barbie’ movie’s ending is an important reminder for women’s health
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Madeline Holcombe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The final scene in "Barbie" is important for normalizing women's health, CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen said. Jaap Buitendijk/Courtesy of Warner Bros. PicturesCNN: Do we give enough attention to women’s reproductive health? Dr. Leana Wen: Reproductive health care is still not regarded as part of total health and well-being. It solidifies the understanding that reproductive health is an integral part of overall health. This is a general preventive health visit in which the health care provider begins to establish a relationship of trust with the patient in a one-on-one, confidential setting.

Persons: “ Barbie, ”, Ruth Handler, Barbie, Leana Wen, Margot Robbie, Jaap Buitendijk, Barbie ”, Wen, normalizes, Pap Organizations: CNN, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Warner Bros . Pictures CNN, American College of Obstetricians

The abrupt maneuver caused a young woman to hit her face on a spike, leaving a gash on her forehead, Ms. Escobar recalled. She said several of the agents stood still for several minutes, until an officer wearing what looked like a soldier’s uniform offered help to the wounded woman. State officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the incident. “I was still in the river, about to jump over, when I saw what that agent did and was horrified,” she said of the officer in the cowboy hat. “What I am against is the use of tactics that hurt people.”The tactics by Texas appear to have intensified in the lead-up to the lifting in late May of Title 42, a public health policy imposed during the coronavirus pandemic that allowed federal agents to rapidly expel most arriving migrants.

Persons: “, Escobar, ”, Rolando Salinas Jr Locations: Mexico, Texas, Eagle

☆ In older adults, a little excess weigh may be OK
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Judith Graham | Kff Health News | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

For years, experts have debated what to advise older adults in this situation. Only 27% to 44% of older adults meet these guidelines, according to various surveys. Epidemiologic research suggests that the ideal body mass index (BMI) might be higher for older adults than younger adults. The study’s conclusion: “The WHO healthy weight range may not be suitable for older adults.” Instead, being overweight may be beneficial for older adults, while being notably thin can be problematic, contributing to the potential for frailty. Indeed, an optimal BMI for older adults may be in the range of 24 to 29, Carl Lavie, a well-known obesity researcher, suggested in a separate study reviewing the evidence surrounding obesity in older adults.

Persons: they’ve, ”, Mitchell Lazar, we’re, John Batsis, Anne Newman, —, Carl Lavie, Lavie, “, ” Lavie, Newman, you’re, Dinesh Edem, Dennis Kerrigan, Katie Dodd Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, Institute for Diabetes, University, Pennsylvania’s Perelman, of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Center for Aging, Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, BMI, World Health Organization, WHO, University of Pittsburgh, University of North, University of Arkansas, Medical Sciences, Henry Ford Health, Kaiser Health, KFF Locations: —, Chapel Hill, New Orleans, University of North Carolina, Michigan

☆ Exclusive: Most patients using weight-loss drugs like Wegovy stop within a year, data show
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Chad Terhune | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The annual cost of overall care for patients prior to taking Wegovy or a similar drug was $12,371, on average, according to the analysis. The costs for a similar control group of patients not taking the drugs decreased by 4% over the same period. The analysis by Prime Therapeutics, a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM), reviewed pharmacy and medical claims data for 4,255 people with commercial health plans. For the analysis, Prime Therapeutics excluded patients with type 2 diabetes to focus on obesity treatment. In trials with adults, Novo found that 6.8% of patients taking Wegovy discontinued treatment due to gastrointestinal problems and other adverse events.

Persons: Wegovy, Khrysta Baig, Patrick Gleason, Novo, aren't, Gleason, David Lassen, Lassen, Chad Terhune, Michele Gershberg, Bill Berkrot Organizations: Reuters, Vanderbilt University, Novo Nordisk, Prime Therapeutics, Therapeutics, U.S, Blue, Thomson Locations: Danish

☆ Are sports drinks good or bad for you? A medical analyst explains
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Dr. Leana Wen: It’s important to distinguish between sports drinks and energy drinks. There are also energy drinks that are often, and unfortunately, confused with sports drinks. Those consuming energy drinks instead of sports drinks or water may become dehydrated. This could be because of confusion between sports drinks and energy drinks, so people should be careful to choose the beverage that’s appropriate for their purpose. And really distinguish between sports drinks that replenish electrolytes and fluids versus energy drinks.

Persons: Chuck Schumer, Schumer, Leana Wen, Wen, I’d Organizations: CNN, US Food and Drug Administration, Prime Energy, Red Bulls, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Energy, US Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Pediatrics, Getty, Endurance

☆ US Air Force suspends personnel moves and bonuses due to funding shortfall
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Oren Liebermann | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The US Air Force has suspended personnel moves and bonuses through the end of the fiscal year as the service faces a funding shortfall driven by higher-than-expected costs, according to a statement from the service Monday. The Air Force said it needed to take these steps now “to avoid exhausting funds” dedicated to personnel. The suspensions could affect tens of thousands of service members, according to an Air Force official, though it’s unclear how large the shortfall is. The Air Force is also pausing certain bonus payments for service members, including reenlistment bonuses and extra incentive pay for difficult or extended assignments. The hold affects more than 200 general and flag officers, including Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q.

Persons: Sen, Tommy Tuberville, Charles Q, Brown, Tuberville Organizations: CNN, US Air Force, Air Force, The Air Force, Alabama Republican, Defense, Senate Armed Services Committee Locations: United States

☆ How to stay healthy in hot weather
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

And how can everyone prepare for hot weather events outdoors? She previously served as health commissioner of Baltimore, where her duties included overseeing the city’s “Code Red” responses to extreme hot weather. They should seek out resources from their local and state government, which may provide cooling centers and temporary shelters during periods of extreme hot weather. Especially if you live in environments where your children are not used to hot weather, monitor them closely. CNN: How can everyone prepare for hot weather events?

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, Heatstroke, heatstroke, it’s, don’t Organizations: CNN, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, US Environmental Protection Agency, Getty Locations: United States, Baltimore

☆ Wildfire smoke: Should people still be worried about health effects? Our medical analyst explains
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-13 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

More than 75 million people in the eastern US were under air quality alerts as wildfire smoke shrouded major cities. People with chronic lung and heart conditions should continue to monitor air quality, CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen said. CNN: What are the short-term health effects of wildfire smoke inhalation? And there is research that has linked wildfire smoke exposure events to an increase in influenza months later, suggesting that there could be lagging effects. CNN: If people were exposed for a few days to bad air quality, should they be worried about long-term consequences?

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, we’ve, Mandel Ngan Organizations: CNN, UN, Program, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Getty Locations: Canada, York, Washington, AFP

☆ EU Commission allocates $1.3 bln to tackle mental health 'silent epidemic'
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BRUSSELS, June 7 (Reuters) - The European Commission said on Wednesday it would allocate 1.23 billion euros ($1.3 billion) to mental health initiatives across the 27-member European Union and make mental health a pillar of health policy. "Today marks a new beginning for a comprehensive, prevention-oriented and multi-stakeholder approach to mental health at EU level," Stella Kyriakides, EU Commissioner for health and food safety, said in a statement. "We need to break down stigma and discrimination so that those in need can reach out and receive the support they need. The Commission said mental health problems already impacted around 84 million people before the COVID-19 pandemic with an economic cost of about 600 billion euro a year, or 4% of the bloc's GDP. At a press conference, Commission vice-president Margaritis Schinas called it a "silent epidemic" and said the topic was the last piece in the European Health Union "puzzle".

Persons: Stella Kyriakides, Margaritis Schinas, Julia Payne, Mark Potter Organizations: European, European Union, EU, European Health Union, Mental Health, Thomson Locations: BRUSSELS, Ukraine, EU

☆ Merck Sues Over Law Empowering Medicare to Negotiate With Drugmakers
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Rebecca Robbins | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The pharmaceutical company Merck on Tuesday sued the government over a federal law that empowers Medicare for the first time to negotiate prices directly with drugmakers. Democrats pushed through the Medicare-negotiation program last summer as a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act, framing it as a way of lowering drug prices. Only some drugs will be subject to negotiation with Medicare and only after they have been on the market without competition for years. But Merck, which generated $14.5 billion in profit last year, claimed in a statement on Tuesday that the law would stifle its ability and that of its peers to make risky investments in new cures. Other drug companies have suggested that they will choose to cut certain drug development programs because of the projected dent to their revenue.

Organizations: Merck, Medicare Locations: Washington

☆ How to stay healthy this summer, according to an expert
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Stay healthy so you can have fun all summer with family and friends. Maskot/Getty ImagesCNN: What should people consider as they aim to have fun and stay healthy this summer? How can people prevent Lyme disease, and why is this important? Wen: Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Short-term, Lyme disease manifests as muscle aches, joint pain, fever, rash and headaches.

Persons: they’ve, Leana Wen, Wen, Maskot, Lyme, don’t, enteroviruses, Enteroviruses Organizations: CNN, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Getty, US Centers for Disease Control Locations: Lyme, enterovirus, United States, Covid

☆ Opinion | A Major Problem With Compulsory Mental Health Care Is the Medication
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Daniel Bergner | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

The New York City chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness — the country’s largest organization representing the mentally ill and their families — has protested on City Hall’s steps against Mr. Adams’s efforts to loosen standards for mandatory care. It is to say that the drugs shouldn’t be considered — as they tend to be now — the required linchpin of treatment. Science hasn’t made great strides in antipsychotics since the drugs were first introduced seven decades ago. Commonly, people abandon their antipsychotic drugs, whether they’re in mandatory treatment or the most sensitive, attentive voluntary programs. This is generally attributed to anosognosia and the disorganization that can come with mental illness, but it might well be seen as an outcome from the weighing of pros and cons.

Persons: —, they’re, that’s, Michelle Funk, shouldn’t, hasn’t, anosognosia Organizations: New, National Alliance, New York, New York City Bar Association, World Health Locations: New York City

☆ Mexico to discuss migration, Central America investment with U.S. homeland security advisor
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

MEXICO CITY, May 30 (Reuters) - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is set to discuss migration and investment in Central America in a meeting Tuesday with U.S. Homeland Security advisor Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Mexico's top diplomat said. Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told reporters Mexican leaders would "review" plans on migration regarding visas and a drop in arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border after the end of a U.S. health policy called Title 42. "The other point is investment in Central America," Ebrard said. Reporting by Raul Cortes and Kylie Madry; Editing by Anthony EspositoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Elizabeth Sherwood, Randall, Mexico's, Marcelo Ebrard, Ebrard, Raul Cortes, Kylie Madry, Anthony Esposito Organizations: MEXICO CITY, . Homeland Security, Mexican Foreign, Thomson Locations: MEXICO, Central America, Mexican, U.S, Mexico

☆ Explainer: How could a US debt ceiling default hit regular Americans?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-23 | by ( Jason Lange | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Americans could quickly notice painful blows to their retirement accounts as stock markets swooned, and within days the lack of federal payments could weigh heavily on doctors' offices, retirees and workplaces throughout the country. At that point, Washington would be under severe pressure to keep making payments on U.S. bonds, which underpin the global financial system. Within days, the financial mayhem would be a principal force putting the economy on the path to recession, Zandi said. More Medicare bills would come due in subsequent days, and because Medicare funds about a fifth of U.S. healthcare, some doctors might not have money to pay staff and other bills. Payments could also stop going out to government contractors, including $1 billion due to defense contractors on June 5.

☆ When will an RSV vaccine be available?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a vaccine against the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, for adults 60 and older. Could the vaccine be available this winter, and how can people access it? The RSV vaccine specifically targets RSV. However, there is an RSV vaccine being developed by the drug company Pfizer that is being tested in pregnant women for the purpose of conveying protection to the infant. However, the FDA may not make a decision on when to make the vaccine available for pregnant people until this summer.

☆ County with high rate of overdose deaths doesn’t use opioid settlement funds for addiction program
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Aneri Pattani | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Greene County, Tenn., resident Nancy Schneck wants opioid settlement funds to be used for addiction and mental health treatment. In Tennessee, 15% of the state’s opioid settlement funds are controlled by the legislature and another 15% by local governments. Greene County, Tenn., is directing some of its opioid settlement money into the county's capital projects fund. Pack, from East Tennessee State, urges them to increase access to medications that have proven effective in treating opioid addiction. Some Greene County residents want to see opioid settlement funds go to local initiatives that are already operating on the ground.

☆ Addiction Treatment Medicine Is Vastly Underprescribed, Especially by Race, Study Finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Jan Hoffman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Despite the continuing rise in opioid overdose deaths, one of the most effective treatments for opioid addiction is still drastically underprescribed in the United States, especially for Black patients, according to a large new study. Within six months following a high-risk event like an overdose, white patients filled buprenorphine prescriptions up to 80 percent more often than Black patients, and up to 25 percent more often than Latino patients, the study found. Rates of use for methadone, another effective treatment, were generally even lower. Noting that all the patients regardless of race encountered doctors roughly once a month, he said, “There are two mechanisms left that could explain disparities this large. One is where people of color get their health care, which we know is highly segregated, and another is racial differences in patient trust and demand for buprenorphine.“

The Biden Administration’s signature drug pricing reform, part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), aims to save $25 billion through price negotiations by 2031 for Americans who pay more for medicines than any other country. The first ever Medicare drug price reduction process begins in September, when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(CMS) identifies its 10 most costly drugs. Reuters has seen responses to CMS from five of the world's top drugmakers raising legal concerns with the law and the agency's proposed roadmap. Former CMS head Andy Slavitt, who now works at a venture capital company focused on healthcare, said the Medicare agency would have consulted lawyers. One said the Medicare roadmap, which did not go through a formal process with proposed and final rules, could be challenged in court for being unlawful as well.

☆ How promising are new drugs to treat obesity?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —The pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly announced last week that a medication developed to treat diabetes, tirzepatide, also had a substantial effect on reducing weight. Another pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk, manufactures the medication semaglutide, which the FDA has already approved to treat diabetes under the brand name Ozempic and to treat obesity under the brand name Wegovy. How promising are they to treat obesity? CNN: How promising are these drugs to treat obesity? It is really important to treat obesity as the disease that it is — and having effective medications to do so is crucial.

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