Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the middle of the week. Congratulations on making it this far, and remember there are only a few more days until the weekend arrives. So keep plugging away. After all, what are the alternatives? While you ponder the possibilities, we invite you to join us for a delightful cup of stimulation. Our choice today is hot buttery rum, a welcome salve for an especially chilly morning. Remember that no prescription is required — so no co-pay or rebate is involved. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits to help you on your way. Have a wonderful day, and please do stay in touch. …
The Trump administration released the next 15 drugs subject to Medicare price negotiation, including for the first time treatments administered in doctor offices, STAT tells us. This is the third round of drugs selected for price negotiation and the first year that physician-administered drugs in Part B are eligible for price negotiation. Only retail drugs covered by Part D were eligible during the first two years. The negotiated prices for drugs chosen this year will take effect in 2028. Some cancer and HIV drugs will likely generate big savings because of their protected-class status in Medicare. Private Medicare plans must cover protected-class drugs, and researchers have found that insurers negotiate smaller rebates on those drugs because of that restriction. That makes them ripe for bigger discounts. Drugs in that category include Biktarvy, an antiretroviral that treats HIV; Verzenio, a breast cancer therapy; Erleada, a prostate cancer drug; and Lenvima, a cancer therapy.
The trade agreement reached this week between the European Union and India aims to significantly boost trade by reducing tariffs on pharmaceuticals while increasing European access to India’s medical devices and technology market, The Indian Express explains. Notably, India will eliminate 11% tariffs on most pharmaceuticals within a decade. The deal seeks to restore export competitiveness for Indian generics and med tech products, though there will be pressure from the European Union on India’s intellectual property rules. The agreement provides what the European Commission called a “high level of protection and enforcement of IP rights, including copyright, trademarks, designs and trade secrets.” Here is a fact sheet.Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…