Articles tagged with Drug Costs
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A British exit from the EMA could delay the availability of new medicines to the UK market, according to an independent health economist. The author argues that removal from the EMA would jeopardize access not only to emerging treatments but also cheaper off-brand counterparts once patents expire.
A study of 10 high-income countries found that prescription drug costs varied by more than 600% across different primary care medicines. The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, highlights differences in drug prices among countries with universal healthcare.
A new study estimates that heroin users have a significant impact on society due to premature death, lost productivity, and chronic infectious diseases. Heroin use was estimated to cost US society over $51 billion in 2015, with the cost per user exceeding $50,799 per year.
A new analysis found that women pay an average of 40 percent more than men for minoxidil foams, a hair loss remedy known as Rogaine. Researchers compared prices at 24 different pharmacies across four states and found the cost difference despite similar ingredients.
Researchers found that disease incidence in states with prohibitive EPT legislation grew significantly faster than in states where EPT was allowed. States with EPT laws may see reduced rates of chlamydia infections, with an average increase of 14.1 cases per 100,000 people.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that only 38% of emergency medicine healthcare professionals can accurately estimate the costs for three common conditions. This lack of transparency has the potential to lower costs for patients and the overall healthcare system.
A new study by University of Florida researcher Kalyani Sonawane finds that fixed-dose combination therapy associated with lower follow-up doctor visits and hospitalizations. Patients on this therapy are more likely to continue taking their medication as directed, resulting in significant cost savings.
Research at the University of Missouri School of Medicine highlights the importance of understanding risk factors and following treatment plans to prevent osteoporosis-related fractures. The study emphasizes the need for preventive screening methods, cost-effective medications, and patient education to effectively manage the disease.
A Brown University study finds that HIV patients persisting with treatment has increased by more than 50% since 2001, with median duration reaching 35.4 months in 2004-2006. Despite progress, significant disparities remain, with certain groups facing higher discontinuation rates.
Researchers developed a novel urine test to diagnose adherence to blood pressure medications, finding that nearly 40% of patients fail to take prescribed medication. Younger patients and females are at higher risk of non-adherence.
The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute has awarded grant funding to 14 Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire providers to improve care delivery and reduce costs. The grants focus on innovative practices in substance use management, medication adherence, and behavioral health integration.
Researchers analyzed thousands of social media posts to find that IBD patients are more concerned with the risks of biologic medications than their benefits or financial costs. The study suggests that physicians need to do a better job explaining the pros and cons of treatments.
Generic hepatitis C drugs available in India offer significant cost savings by increasing life expectancy by more than eight years and reducing lifetime health care costs by over $1,300 per person. The payback period for the upfront costs of DAA drugs is under 5 years for advanced-stage patients.
A study published in CMAJ found that adding a modest 2% income-based deductible to British Columbia's public drug plan did not decrease prescription medication use among seniors. However, it reduced the number of people who qualified for public subsidy and decreased public drug spending.
The lack of access to essential antibiotics, particularly for treating sick babies and children, is a pressing concern. The high costs involved in registering medicines in multiple countries are the primary cause of this issue, combined with the relatively small market for these antibiotics.
A new study found that buprenorphine significantly reduces the duration of therapy for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), cutting treatment time by nearly half. Buprenorphine is a longer-lasting drug than morphine and works differently at the opioid receptor, making it more effective and safer.
Moleculomics' new technology accelerates drug discovery by simulating protein interactions with chemicals, reducing development time and cost. The platform enables the high-throughput screening of candidate compounds against human proteins, identifying safe and toxic compounds.
A new study suggests that adjusting psychiatric medication can reduce the risk of falls among older adults. The research found an association between depressive symptoms and falls, with moderate increases in depressive symptoms linked to a 30% higher risk of experiencing a fall over two years.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that Medicare spending on topical steroids increased by 226.5% and out-of-pocket costs for patients rose by 145.9% between 2011 and 2015. Researchers suggest using physician decision support to pick more affordable generic options, potentially saving $944.8 million and $66.6 million.
A study found that only 18 out of 47 cancer indications approved by the NHS Cancer Drugs Fund showed statistically significant benefits, with a median overall survival benefit of 3.2 months. The majority of drugs failed to show meaningful clinical benefits when considering quality of life and toxic side effects.
The report highlights the need for improved medical responses to toxic inhalation disasters, citing challenges such as limited research data and high costs of FDA approval. The panel recommends developing new laboratory models, extrapolating pathophysiologic mechanisms from similar lung diseases, and creating a robust global infrastruc...
Researchers found that by 18 weeks, only half of individuals on cholinesterase inhibitor medications were continuing to take them. The study also identified the most common side effects, which were primarily gastrointestinal, and found that cost was a major reason for discontinuation.
A new study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that many treatments for urinary and fecal incontinence are ineffective, with surgery being the most successful treatment option. The study analyzed thousands of research articles and found that only 37% of people treated with bulking agents achieved long-term success.
Veterans with heart disease who are also depressed are more likely to struggle with medication costs and delayed medical care. Researchers found that these patients often have higher rates of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and obesity.
A review of studies suggests substituting nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses for physicians can achieve comparable patient outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, satisfaction, and quality of life. However, more research is needed to confirm the cost-effectiveness and quality of healthcare.
A pilot study published in British Medical Journal Open found that pharmacist medicines reconciliation significantly reduced medicine discrepancies and potential hospital readmissions. The study involved 200 patients, with nearly all medication discrepancies identified at both transfer points being addressed in the intervention arm.
A new study by Penn researchers found that Medicare patients with chronic illnesses, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, paid an average of $6,322 per year in out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Part D. The study proposes policy changes to cap annual out-of-pocket costs and spread them more evenly throughout the year.
Three Harvard experts discuss the economics of precision medicine, highlighting factors such as innovative incentives, higher prices due to biologic drugs, and limited competition. The authors propose potential solutions to increase patient access to these medicines, including financial instruments and price competition.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that a commonly prescribed drug for pregnant women with a history of early delivery provides no benefits, while potentially increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers also noted a higher rate of preterm births among those treated with the dru...
A recent study following over 500 children with ADHD into adulthood found that extended stimulant medication use is associated with suppressed adult height but not reduced symptoms of ADHD. The findings suggest a trade-off between symptom-related benefits and growth-related costs of long-term treatment.
The Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model successfully saved Medicare $345 per person in medical costs without driving up prescription drug coverage costs. Providers' payments are aligned with performance in improving quality and reducing costs, leading to integrated care and effective treatments.
The high cost of drugs has soured public sentiment towards the industry. Industry experts argue that more transparency and perspective are needed to understand the complex reasons behind price hikes.
Adding universal public coverage of essential medicines to the existing system in Canada would significantly reduce financial barriers for Canadians and save $3 billion per year. The list of 117 essential medicines accounted for 44% of all prescriptions written in 2015, suggesting a feasible step towards improving access.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that publicly funding essential medicines for all Canadians could save over $4 billion a year. The researchers identified a list of 117 essential medicines that accounted for 44% of all prescriptions filled at retail pharmacies in 2015.
Researchers have discovered a new way to identify and test new drugs using differential mobility spectrometry (DMS), which analyzes drug molecules based on their response to an electrical field. This technique can measure drug properties in seconds, allowing for high-throughput testing of hundreds or thousands of drugs.
A new study found that cancer survivors are changing their prescription drug use due to financial constraints, with a significant proportion of non-elderly adults skipping medication or seeking cheaper options. This phenomenon has important policy implications and highlights the need for improved doctor-patient communication about the ...
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology develop DNA computer capable of detecting several antibodies in blood and performing subsequent calculations. This system allows for controlled drug delivery into the bloodstream, a key step towards intelligent drugs with fewer side effects and lower costs.
A UMass Amherst study found that current incentives for developing orphan drugs are not sufficient to meet patients' needs, leading to unmet health needs and barriers to access. The researchers call for a comprehensive understanding of the ethical considerations of access to safe and effective orphan drugs.
A new study found that financial barriers significantly impact medication adherence in neurology patients, with the majority of nonadherence cases attributed to costs. The study suggests that tailored strategies are needed to identify and address these issues, particularly among cognitively- and socioeconomically vulnerable populations.
A study by the University of British Columbia found that one in 12 older Canadians skipped prescriptions in 2014 due to cost, highlighting a public health issue. Canadians aged 55-64 face significant barriers to filling their prescriptions, with low-income individuals being three times more likely to report financial barriers.
Researchers at Durham University create a one-step method to produce flucytosine from naturally occurring cytosine, reducing production costs and improving availability in African countries. The new process has been successfully scaled up for manufacturing and could help lower the drug's cost.
A recent MIT study reveals that online retail prices often match those in stores, with prices converging at around 72% of the time. The study examines data from 10 major countries and suggests that companies aim to appear 'fair' by maintaining consistent prices.
Researchers argue that lax standards in human clinical trials lead to ineffective therapies and wasted resources, causing financial burdens on society. The researchers propose measures to strengthen standards, including requiring negative results from animal studies and independent expert vetting.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that laparoscopic anti-reflux operations for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) result in faster recovery, fewer postoperative complications, and lower healthcare costs compared to traditional open operations.
Gastroenterology experts argue that removing prescriptions for gluten-free foods would unfairly discriminate against people with coeliac disease. They highlight the high cost of such products (3-4 times standard prices) and limited availability in shops.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that new therapies for non-small cell lung cancer resulted in a median 1.5-month survival increase, but this gain was largely offset by higher outpatient spending due to the expensive medications.
The American College of Physicians recommends prescribing metformin as the primary treatment for type 2 diabetes when medication is necessary to improve blood sugar levels. Adding a second oral medication to metformin may provide additional benefits, but the cost should be discussed with clinicians and patients.
A new study found that taking anticholinergic medications daily increases the likelihood of inpatient admission by 11% over a year. The study analyzed prescription dispensing data from Regenstrief Medical Record System and calculated cumulative anticholinergic burden, which is associated with increased healthcare utilization.
Research finds that pembrolizumab is a cost-effective first-line treatment for advanced melanoma, offering improved survival and progression-free rates compared to ipilimumab and cytotoxic chemotherapy. The study suggests that healthcare authorities should consider including pembrolizumab as a reimbursable item in the public setting.
A computer simulation developed by Johns Hopkins researchers helps predict the potential impact of a new short-course treatment regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis. The model suggests that this regimen could lower MDR-TB incidence in Southeast Asia by 23% over eight years, potentially averting over 100,000 cases annually.
A new study has discovered a novel route to improve the stability of protein drugs, significantly extending their shelf life. Stability increases from 14 hours to over 100 days while maintaining activity under stressed conditions, offering potential treatment solutions for diseases in developing countries.
Vaccine producers are accused of using monopoly power to determine who lives or dies, with prices often exceeding $120 per dose in wealthy countries. Experts argue for fair pricing that takes into account research and manufacturing costs, public health importance, and collective value creation.
The FDA approved Exondys, a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, based on data from just 12 patients, raising concerns about scientific evidence and patient advocacy. Families of the boys involved attest to the drug's effectiveness, but critics argue that the agency bowed to pressure rather than making a decision based on evidence.
Researchers found that generic medicines used to treat heart failure can cost significantly different amounts across pharmacies, ranging from $20.19 to $256.77 per month. The study suggests that uninsured patients may struggle to afford these medications due to the wide price variations.
A study found significant price differences for generic heart failure medications among retail pharmacies, with prices ranging from $12 to over $398 for a single drug. This variation raises concerns about the affordability of these essential drugs for those without insurance or restricted access.
A Saint Louis University study found significant price variations for generic heart failure drugs, with a month's supply costing $20.19-$256.77, affecting 7.3 million Americans underinsured or uninsured. This variability can hinder patients' adherence to treatment, particularly those in low-income areas.
Prohibition laws on drugs have been shown to be ineffective in reducing addiction and violence, with a quarter of a billion adults worldwide taking illegal drugs. Doctors are calling for health and human rights to be prioritized over punitive responses.
The Lancet Commission estimates the monthly cost of a basic package of 201 essential medicines could be as low as $1-2 per person, addressing universal health coverage goals. However, many countries spend less than this amount on medicines, highlighting the need for additional financing to meet basic healthcare needs.
A comprehensive model estimates the cost of providing a set of essential medicines to all people in low- and middle-income countries. The model suggests that it would cost $13 to $25 per capita annually to ensure access to these medicines, with total costs ranging from $77 billion to $152 billion.
A new study found that regions with higher uptake of the program saw a 40% decline in hospitalizations to treat chronic conditions among indigenous Australians. Hospitalization rates dropped from 82.3 per 1,000 in 2009 to 61.2 per 1,000 in 2011.