Articles tagged with Drug Costs
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.
Research finds generic cancer drugs are generally safe in countries with robust regulatory programs, but safety is uncertain in those with weaker oversight. In the US, economic studies show price savings from generics are limited by high review costs and lack of competition.
Researchers at University of Minnesota and Dow Chemical Company developed a new method for customizing ingredients in oral medications to improve solubility and absorption. The discovery has the potential to lower production costs and advance the development of life-saving drugs.
A recent study found that Medicaid policies requiring tobacco-cessation counseling actually decrease the use of anti-smoking medications among smokers, with a one-quarter to one-third reduction. This is due to barriers erected for smokers who want to quit.
Simple images designed to convey information about prescription drugs could help save lives by reducing non-adherence to treatment. The study found that including pictograms on written medication instructions helps seniors take their drugs correctly, especially those with lower education levels.
A team of researchers from Wayne State University will test a technology-based intervention to improve medication adherence among African American emerging adults with moderate to severe persistent asthma. The goal is to enhance illness management and health outcomes at a low cost.
A recent study found that patients who continued with their prescribed medical therapy after stent or bypass surgery had significantly better outcomes than non-adherent patients. Adherence to antiplatelets and statins was a more powerful predictor of adverse event-free survival than the type of revascularization procedure.
A recent study by Bangor University found that pharmaceutical companies marketing orphan drugs for rare diseases can be up to 15% more profitable than other drug companies. This is due to the lucrative market for these treatments, with some costing as much as £340,000 per patient per year.
Former USPSTF chairs, Virginia A. Moyer, Michael LeFevre, and Ned Calonge, suggest that guidelines should only inform, not dictate, insurance coverage decisions. They cite Mylan's attempt to influence the panel as a flawed example of this issue.
Copay assistance programs are a Band-Aid on the problem of high drug prices. Experts argue that these programs actually drive up healthcare costs and limit access to essential medications. To mitigate this impact, policymakers should redirect their focus towards innovation incentives, not just cost containment.
A new study finds that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent up to 99% of new HIV infections among high-risk gay men in Toronto. By engaging these individuals with healthcare, PrEP also reduces costs and increases health outcomes.
A pair of experts, Mark Fendrick and Michael Chernew, propose altering consumer cost-sharing in health insurance plans to make services more affordable based on individual patient and provider factors. They suggest changes to IRS rules, Medicare plan design, and encouraging value-based cost-sharing to promote high-value clinical services.
A recent study found that nearly a third of Medicare patients with chronic myeloid leukemia did not start treatment within six months due to high out-of-pocket costs. However, patients who had access to subsidies to cover drug costs started treatment 50 days sooner on average.
Researchers and editors of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin express concerns about the clinical and cost-effectiveness of nalmefene, a drug approved to curb excess drinking. The authors argue that the limited data on its effectiveness raises questions about its continued use in the NHS.
A study found that medication abortions in Ohio required more interventions, side effects, and higher costs after an outdated protocol was implemented. Women who had abortions post-law period were three times more likely to need additional interventions.
High prescription drug prices in US exceed other industrialized nations due to market exclusivity and lack of price negotiation. The study suggests enforcing stricter exclusivity requirements and enhancing competition through timely generic availability can help reduce costs.
Researchers found significant increases in Americans able to afford prescriptions following Medicare Part D and Affordable Care Act implementation. Despite this, nearly 20 million adults struggle with prescription costs.
Per capita spending on US prescription drugs is the highest in the world, driven by brand-name prices that can rise substantially during competition-free periods. The authors argue for limiting market exclusivity rights and ensuring timely generic drug availability to reduce costs.
Patients with persistent face pain may experience significant disability and inconvenience due to inadequate treatment. Experts propose a 'hub and spoke' model for efficient diagnosis and management, which could save the NHS money while improving patient outcomes.
The MINERVA study found a significant association between higher medication adherence rates and improved patient outcomes, including reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and healthcare costs. Fully adherent patients had a lower risk of MACE compared to partially and non-adherent populations.
The study found that PCSK9 inhibitors are not cost-effective for patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, requiring annual drug prices to be reduced by over two-thirds. Reducing prices could lower US health care costs by $29 billion over 5 years.
Two insurance expansion approaches under ACA associated with increased outpatient and preventive care, reduced emergency department use, and improved self-reported health. The Medicaid expansion and alternative private option were linked to gains in coverage, primary care access, and reduced out-of-pocket spending.
PharmacoEconomics - Open will provide readers with the latest on cost and health outcomes associated with drugs, devices, and healthcare interventions. The new journal aims to disseminate credible open access information to researchers, decision makers, and patients, maximizing the reach of their work.
The TAILOR-PCI Study aims to determine whether prescribing antiplatelet therapy based on a patient's CYP2C19 genotype can prevent heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. The study, which began in 2013, plans to enroll 5,270 patients and investigate the effects of genomics on treatment outcomes.
Researchers investigate how NHS England is hindering access to expensive hepatitis C treatments, citing NICE guidelines and company pricing as key factors. The study reveals a system of rationing and delayed treatment, prompting concerns over patient welfare and the role of drug companies' pricing strategies.
Research shows how a 'wonder drug' for hepatitis C was acquired by a pharmaceutical company, doubling its price and channelling profits into buying shares. This strategy limits innovation and leaves the public paying twice - once for initial research and then for high-priced medications.
A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania estimates that the average joint contains 0.32 grams of marijuana, significantly lower than previous estimates of 0.3-0.75 grams. This finding has important implications for understanding marijuana trafficking and revenue projections post-legalization.
A new study published in PNAS shows that vagus nerve stimulation significantly improves measures of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment, which involves stimulating the vagus nerve with an implantable device, has been shown to inhibit cytokine production and attenuate disease severity in humans.
A researcher at Queen's University recommends that Canada create an essential medicines list to help protect against drug shortages. The list could include up to 500 medicines and would be helpful as the country considers a Pharmacare plan.
A study found that breast cancer patients who did not adhere to their medication schedule for chronic conditions before diagnosis were twice as likely to skip oral adjuvant hormonal therapy. Non-adherence rates were higher among women with certain age groups, medical specialties, and co-payments.
A survey of over 3,600 adults with RA found that patients value patient participation in multidisciplinary team conferences, leading to better outcomes. Patients want more involvement in treatment planning, with 70% satisfied but desiring fewer medications and more choices.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that recently developed hepatitis C medicines have a wide range of prices globally, with the US having the highest nominal price. The researchers also calculated that treating the entire HCV infected population in some countries could be as expensive as 190% of the total pharmaceutical expenditure.
A commentary suggests that gene therapy treatments for rare diseases should be valued based on long-term cost savings. The authors propose tying costs to efficacy and creating a federal initiative to support new therapies.