Rise and shine, everyone, another busy day is on the way. And it is getting off to a good start here on the blustery Pharmalot campus, where clear blue skies and chilly temperatures are greeting us. Who could ask for anything more? Actually, we could — it is time to reheat the kettle for another cuppa stimulation. Our choice today is hibiscus vanilla apple. And here is a tip — a teaspoon of honey enhances the flavors splendidly. By all means, please feel free to join us. Remember, no prescription is required. And now, here is the latest menu of interesting items. Hope you have a productive and meaningful day, and, as always, please keep in touch. We have adjusted our settings to accept postcards and telegrams. …
Despite a cool reception from Congress, the White House is looking to intensify its pressure campaign on lawmakers to pass legislation that would codify a “most-favored nation” drug pricing policy, according to STAT. The administration has been pushing Republicans on Capitol Hill to pursue a sweeping health care package that would mean changes for providers, insurers, federal agencies, and patients. But much of the focus has been on creating legislation aimed at bringing the cost of medications to levels below what other peer countries pay. So far, lawmakers have been far from receptive to such an idea, with Republicans characterizing the effort as government overreach that would be counter to free-market ideals, one of the officials said. But the White House is not backing down.
After GSK replaced a popular asthma inhaler with an identical product at a much higher price in order to avoid paying Medicaid rebates, many families reported substantial financial and treatment problems, STAT writes, citing a new report from a U.S. senator. The issue began two years ago, when the drug company discontinued both versions of its popular inhaler — Flovent HFA, an inhalation aerosol, and Flovent Diskus, an inhalation powder — and continued selling only a so-called authorized generic version, which is essentially the same product sold under a private label. This version was launched in May 2022. Typically, generics sell for less than brand-name drugs, but this situation did not follow the usual pattern. And the report from Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) found that, thanks to its maneuver, GSK set in motion a series of changes that prompted many health plans and pharmacy benefit managers to create barriers to access.Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…