News

FDA has authorized marketing of Bloom Syndrome carrier test, a direct-to-consumer genetic test from 23andMe.The test is designed to identify healthy individuals who carry a gene that could cause Bloom Syndrome in their offspring.

The introduction of high-cost, high-use PCSK9 inhibitors (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9) enzyme inhibitors to treat high cholesterol, takes the industry step closer to a future where “healthcare costs break the bank,” according to industry insiders.

FDA expanded approval of lenalidomide (Revlimid, Celgene) for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Revlimid acts as an immunomodulating agent and inhibits the growth of myeloma cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and cell death.

Individuals and families who were not aware of the tax implications of not having insurance will have an opportunity to obtain coverage during a special enrollment period.

In what is being called a first-of-its-kind joint effort, the Texas Medical Association and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas are launching a resource initiative to assist independent physicians with providing accountable care.

More than 11 million UnitedHealthcare members are enrolled in accountable care organizations (ACOs), and the nation's top insurer plans to contract with 250 more ACOs in 2015.

A study of more than 1,500 cigarette smokers who were not ready to quit smoking but were willing to cut back on cigarette consumption and combine their approach with varenicline (Chantix, Pfizer) increased their long-term success of quitting smoking.

President Obama’s recent proposal to nearly double funding for antibiotic resistance programs to $1.2 billion in the 2016 federal budget confirms that the battle against “superbugs” is indeed moving up the government agenda.

Marketplace websites could be doing significantly more to help consumers make informed choices about their health plans, according to a new study.

Optima Health, which has seen a 500% increase in individual members since 2013, is using technology processes and platforms to monitor and automate the customer experience.

About 11.4 million Americans signed up for private health coverage under the Affordable Care Act's second open enrollment cycle, the White House announced.

Making sure its members get the right care at the right place and at the right time drove Independence Blue Cross to launch a two-year pilot program last fall with consumer engagement firm Accolade.

FDA has approved rufinamide (Banzel, Eisai) for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in pediatric patients.

New study findings suggest that an epigenetic test could be created to identify those individuals early in the process of developing diabetes mellitus, providing hope for preventing the disease.

Spurred on by the Affordable Care Act, retailers, health plans and providers are staking strong retail positions that are increasing coverage opportunities and access to care.

FDA has approved lenvatinib (Lenvima, Eisai) for the treatment of progressive, differentiated thyroid cancer.

FDA has granted priority review for LCZ696 (Novartis), an investigational drug for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

A low-fat plant-based vegan diet may help obese children lower their risk of heart disease, finds a new study from Cleveland Clinic.

Currently, the IBS treatment market is naïve and underpenetrated, with only 4 products indicated for IBS in the 7MM.

In a move widely seen as a way to better compete with the other major chain drugstores, Rite Aid Corp. has announced an agreement on Feb. 11 to buy the pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) EnvisionRx for about $2 billion.

Results from a national survey show that one-third of American adults use complementary medicine practices or products, including yoga, fish oils, massage therapy and ginseng.

Two-thirds of organizations will increase spending on analytics in 2015, according to a new survey by CDW Healthcare.

A pivotal phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of investigational ixazomib (Takeda), the first oral proteasome inhibitor (PI), conducted in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma achieved its primary end point of improving progression-free survival (PFS) at the first pre-specified interim analysis.

Imprivata Confirm ID is the first comprehensive product that simplifies the adoption of DEA requirements for the electronic prescribing of controlled substances.

The confluence of two factors is making it increasingly seductive for stakeholders to consider entering the MA market, but all is not idyllic.

Nearly four in 10 organizations that offer health insurance through state exchanges also operate a Medicaid managed care plan in the same state, offering an opportunity for continuous coverage for low-income consumers.

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Trade Press Scientists are working to develop breakthrough therapies for pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers affecting men and women.

Amgen has announced positive results from a clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of biosimilar candidate, ABP 501, compared with Humira (adalimumab) in patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis.

The American Lung Association has called for a halt to the sale of all tobacco products at all retailers with pharmacies.

Because there was no approved medication treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) until mid-October, 2014, physicians primarily focused on non-pharmacological treatments to help patients improve. Even with FDA’s approval of nintedanib (Ofev) and pirfenidone (Esbriet), physicians will continue to recommend certain therapies that generally ease symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life.