Articles tagged with Drug Costs
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The ISSCR is hosting a summit on access and affordability in cell and gene therapies to explore pricing, manufacturing, regulation, and reimbursement strategies. Experts will examine key barriers and emerging solutions across the access landscape.
A randomized controlled trial found that contingent discount financial incentives on medication expenses can improve glycemic control and encourage engagement with ongoing monitoring among patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. After six months, the intervention group showed greater improvements in long-term blood sugar level...
A new USC white paper reveals that PBMs' reported profit margins are influenced by accounting practices, making it challenging for policymakers to understand the true cost drivers. The researchers suggest requiring financial transparency from PBMs to develop a better picture of their operations and costs.
A US study of over a million Medicaid enrollees reveals major gaps in access to medication-based addiction treatments, particularly for Black patients. Methadone and buprenorphine show significant overdose risk reductions, highlighting the need for policy reforms to ensure timely access.
The article highlights the mismatch between psychedelics and economic drug development principles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing short-acting compounds and neuroplastogens to engineer trips out of the experience altogether. Dr. Sandy Hager's research suggests investors should remain cautious due to weak intellectual property ...
A new study shows that direct-to-consumer pharmacy pricing can offer lower total costs (431% lower) compared to commercial pharmacies for insured patients. Out-of-pocket neurologic drug costs are 75% higher, but most medications cost less than $635 per year.
The 340B program has grown into the nation's second-largest drug purchasing program, with significant revenue generated from spread pricing, which disproportionately benefits providers with more commercially insured patients. Eliminating this distorted incentive is essential to ensuring safety-net providers receive benefits.
Prior authorization for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) became near universal, leading to substantial out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket costs for GLP-1RAs rose significantly from 2020 to 2025, affecting many high-cost drugs.
Researchers at the University of Maine Forest Bioproducts Research Institute have discovered a sustainable method to produce (S)-3-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone, a crucial building block in pharmaceuticals. This approach could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and production costs by up to 60%.
A cross-sectional analysis of 549 essential medicines in 72 markets reveals significant variation in prices and affordability. The study emphasizes the urgent need to promote equitable drug prices and improve access to life-saving medications.
A cross-sectional study found that white populations use more prescription drugs than Asian or Pacific Islander and Hispanic populations. After adjusting for age and disease prevalence, Black populations have lower prescription fill rates compared to the overall population average.
A large study found that Medicare beneficiaries with multiple sclerosis who received broader coverage of MS treatments had significantly lower risk of developing new or worsening symptoms. Researchers warn that formulary exclusions for specialty drugs could lead to worse health outcomes.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a significant impact on the UK economy, with average annual costs exceeding £14,781 per person. The total economic burden is estimated to be around £40 billion, which is expected to rise further due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new study found that B.C.'s universal, no-cost coverage policy led to a significant increase in the use of long-acting reversible contraception among reproductive-aged women. The study tracked nearly 860,000 women and discovered that cost was a major barrier to accessing effective birth control methods like IUDs and implants.
A new analysis finds that delinking PBM compensation from list prices could lower US annual drug spending by nearly $100 billion. Shifting to a transparent payment model would reduce costs without undermining pharmaceutical innovation, according to USC Schaeffer Center Director Geoffrey Joyce.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that opioid consumption intensity varies enormously across different populations and contexts. The study suggests that tracking average intensities of use could improve our understanding of consumption patterns and inform drug policy and treatment strategies.
A new study found that almost all Medicaid managed care plans (MCPs) cover at least one form of naloxone, with 94% covering generic injectables or 4-mg nasal sprays. However, certain restrictions and quantity limits may prevent people from accessing this life-saving drug.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
Most Medicare beneficiaries will likely see their drug costs go up due to Part D plans' shifting cost-sharing burden. The new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket limit won't reach most beneficiaries, leading to higher deductibles and coinsurance for many.
Prevalence of current cannabis use rose significantly among adults aged 65+, particularly those with higher incomes. Adults with initial lower cannabis use rates now exhibit the highest prevalence by 2023.
LyoWave, a company commercializing microwave heating technologies developed at Purdue University, has received a $304k NSF SBIR grant to scale its tech for pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing. The project aims to increase manufacturing throughput and reduce costs.
A research team from the University of Copenhagen has developed a biotechnological method to produce Taxol, a widely used cancer drug. The new method involves cloning taxol-producing genes and inserting them into yeast cells, making it more cost-effective and sustainable than traditional chemical synthesis.
A recent study found that more beneficiaries were affected by insurer exits in the Part D marketplace under the IRA, which increased plan sponsor financial liability. The redesigned Part D marketplaces may lead to limited coverage options and less competitiveness.
Retail pharmacies excluded from Medicare Part D networks faced a higher risk of closure over the past decade, with independent and minority-owned pharmacies more likely to be affected. The study found that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) were contributing to this problem by steering beneficiaries away from non-preferred pharmacies.
A new voluntary program, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), could greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs for Medicare patients taking expensive oral cancer drugs. By spreading annual costs across 12 monthly payments, patients can avoid large upfront payments and make treatment more affordable.
Imperial scientists launched a miniature laboratory into Earth orbit to engineer microbes that can produce food, pharmaceuticals, fuel, and bioplastics in microgravity. This partnership aims to create environmentally friendly and affordable non-animal foods, reducing the cost of space travel.
A new study found that both oral and injectable forms of naltrexone are effective in reducing heavy drinking among hospitalized patients. The medication was administered before discharge, resulting in a significant decrease in heavy drinking within the last 30 days of the three-month follow-up period.
A study of over 300,000 adults found that those with diabetes are 25% more likely to lose their health insurance. Insurance instability is particularly concerning for those with complex needs, as many struggle to regain coverage after losing Medicaid or private insurance.
A new study found that both employed people with obesity and employer representatives acknowledge the impact of obesity on future health problems and perceive lifestyle change alongside anti-obesity medications as the most effective approach for maintaining weight-loss reduction. Cost of medication coverage remains a significant barrie...
A University of Ottawa-led team examines the punishing costs of TB care, finding that patients face 'catastrophic' expenses despite free treatment being available in many countries. The review identifies areas for intervention to reduce patient costs and improve sustainable TB mitigation strategies.
The Endocrine Society strongly disagrees with the administration's decision not to finalize a rule allowing Medicare and Medicaid to cover anti-obesity medications. This decision leaves millions of Americans with obesity without access to evidence-based treatment, exacerbating the country's growing obesity epidemic.
A new paper highlights emerging alternatives to traditional diabetes medicines, such as continuous glucose monitors and lifestyle interventions like GEM, which can improve patient adherence and long-term health outcomes.
Tariffs on Canadian pharmaceuticals could significantly impact the US drug supply and costs, with an estimated $750 million added to production costs. The study found that $3 billion in US pharmaceuticals rely on Canadian manufacturing, highlighting the potential fragility of supply chains.
New research from the University of Toronto warns that applying trade tariffs on Canadian pharmaceuticals could add $750 million in cost to the U.S. market and disrupt drug supply chains. The study highlights the potential for shortages and jeopardizes patient care, particularly for medications with no alternative supplier.
A new white paper finds that expanding access to anti-obesity medications can prevent or delay chronic disease by years, providing significant societal benefits. The study estimates a $10 trillion return on investment and 13% annual returns on investment for society.
A large majority of older Americans believe health insurance – including Medicare – should cover anti-obesity medications. Nearly 37% of respondents met the criteria for overweight and 36% for obesity. Medicare currently covers a drug used for weight management but only in people with diabetes or a history of heart attack or stroke.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health refutes claims that Medicaid expansion increases misuse of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines. Despite initial concerns, the study found no association between Medicaid expansion and non-prescribed opioid use among people who inject drugs.
New research from USC reveals that Medicare Part D plans are increasingly tying patient costs to list prices, leading to substantially higher out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries. The study found that the share of stand-alone plans using coinsurance for preferred branded drugs grew from 9.9% in 2020 to 71.9% in 2024.
Researchers created optimized DNA hydrogels with fewer nucleic acids, achieving efficient and sustained drug release. The new hydrogel units showed prolonged persistence of at least 168 hours post-administration in mice, contributing to anti-tumor effects.
PairMap overcomes limitations of traditional methods by introducing intermediate compounds to predict binding affinities with high accuracy. The approach minimizes calculation errors, improves convergence, and reduces computational costs for complex transformations.
Researchers developed AshPhos, a ligand that facilitates the formation of carbon-nitrogen bonds using inexpensive materials. The tool has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials, and degrading PFAS pollutants.
A West Virginia University legal scholar argues that current laws favor biologic drugs with longer exclusivity periods, affecting their pricing. The scholar suggests reducing exclusivity for biologics to bring them in line with small-molecule drugs, which could lower drug costs.
A new study found disparities in access to semaglutide based on insurance plan, job industry, sex, and other factors. Individuals with female identities, preferred provider organization coverage, and antidepressant use were more likely to start taking semaglutide compared to males or those with certain employment industries.
A study of 242 couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment found that men experienced higher levels of work-family conflict, while women were more affected by stress. The researchers used online questionnaires to assess the couples' emotional well-being and job performance.
A new study found that Medicare Advantage patients with colorectal cancer are six percentage points less likely to receive a cancer drug compared to those on Traditional Medicare. For non-small cell lung cancer, the pattern was not as clear due to limited low-cost treatment options.
Researchers analyzed cost-effectiveness of semaglutide for non-diabetic overweight/obese individuals with heart disease. With price reductions, semaglutide shows promise in reducing lifetime costs and improving health outcomes.
A new RAND study found that the median cost of developing a new drug is $150 million, while the mean cost is $369 million. Excluding high-cost outliers, the average cost drops to $950 million. The study suggests using median costs for policy discussions about pharmaceutical research and development.
Early detection of breast cancer can lead to less intensive treatments, saving the Canadian healthcare system $459.6M over women's lifetimes and 3,499 breast cancer deaths. Screening mammograms and diagnostics costs are easily offset by earlier stage treatment.
The network's all-new digital report boasts over $56.1 million in total cost-of-care savings, with $44.6 million in rewards shared among providers. Ochsner Health Network also expands access to care and improves health outcomes through its collaborative partnerships and technological advancements.
A Kennesaw State University professor has received a grant to analyze the relationship between access to cancer treatment and patient outcomes in Kenya. The research aims to identify cost-effective and sustainable treatment protocols that improve survival rates and address financial barriers to care.
A new study found that 5% of Canadian respondents skipped or reduced dosages due to cost-related issues. The research highlights the burden of prescription costs on vulnerable populations, including females, bisexual, and Indigenous individuals. The authors suggest that national pharmacare plans can help address these disparities.
A USC Schaeffer study found that over half of Medicare beneficiaries with stand-alone Part D plans did not switch due to lack of plan comparisons, with many unaware of how to change plans or missing out on better coverage options. This complacency allows insurers to exploit beneficiaries' inattention and boost profits.
A recent analysis reveals significant gaps in cancer drug cost and availability between high- and low-income countries. Inequities in access to therapy, screening, and healthcare infrastructure contribute to higher cancer incidence and mortality rates in low-income countries.
The article highlights patchwork strategies for managing high prescription drug costs, but emphasizes the need for solutions that address root causes of high prices. Clinicians can use existing solutions to help patients access costly medications, but policy changes are necessary for sustainable affordable access.
Researchers found that co-payment cards can lower out-of-pocket costs for privately insured patients taking brand-name prescription drugs. Additionally, public assistance programs and direct-to-consumer pharmacies can provide affordable alternatives for uninsured individuals and those with Medicare Part D. The study suggests that clini...
Two studies found that bariatric surgery is more cost-effective in the long term compared to GLP-1 RA weight loss drugs alone. Combining both treatments is even more cost-effective. The use of GLP-1 RA before surgery appears safe and may be a novel approach to treating obesity.
A new study suggests that introducing a smaller vial size for the Alzheimer's drug lecanemab could reduce waste by 74% and save Medicare up to $336 million per year. This is due to the high amount of unused medication being discarded, with each patient often receiving a dose lower than the available vial sizes.
Removing protected class regulation from Medicare Part D policies could reduce US prescription drug spending, potentially saving $47 billion between 2011-2019. The study found that rebates for protected classes of drugs grew at a slower pace than non-protected classes.
A study published in Surgical Endoscopy found that the cost of taking popular anti-obesity medications like Saxenda or Wegovy exceeds that of metabolic and bariatric surgery in less than a year. Bariatric surgery offers more permanent and rapid weight loss, with significant long-term cost savings.
A new study found that up to 10 million people in the US could qualify for Medicare-covered semaglutide injections, depending on their level of cardiovascular risk. Those with higher risk scores would be eligible for full or partial coverage, potentially expanding access to this life-saving medication.