Articles tagged with Drug Costs
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that individuals with higher wealth levels had greater hospital care and medication costs before diagnosis. However, after diagnosis, wealth was associated with lower healthcare costs due to differences in comorbidities among different wealth groups.
A team of researchers from Texas A&M University is developing a low-cost, safe, and controlled cancer treatment using programmable bacteria. The $20 million project aims to create an efficient bacterial therapeutic that can target cancer cells with high precision, reducing side effects and costs.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that about 1 in 10 prescription drugs has a manufacturer-sponsored patient support program. These programs offer financial, nursing, and educational supports to patients, primarily for expensive and rare disease drugs.
Researchers develop method to produce valuable chemicals at lower cost, using ozone and copper catalyst. This breakthrough could make cancer treatment more affordable, with prices potentially reduced from thousands to just a few dollars.
The PhRMA Foundation awarded two $500,000 Frontier Awards to researchers William Padula and Surachat Ngorsuraches for their patient-centered value assessment models. Their studies will advance the field of value assessment by applying theoretical models in a real-world context and engaging with patients to ensure their voices are inclu...
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found that nurse practitioners are no more likely than primary care physicians to inappropriately prescribe drugs to older patients. The study analyzed over 73,000 providers and found a similar rate of inappropriate prescribing among both groups.
A study by Jessica Ho found that Americans born in 2019 can expect to spend 48% and 60% of their lives taking prescription drugs, respectively. The majority of men start taking medication at age 40, while women begin at age 15.
A study of 80 online marijuana dispensaries found that most lacked adequate age verification features and accepted nontraceable payment methods. This enabled youth to hide their transactions, with almost 1 in 5 dispensaries requiring no formal age verification at any stage.
A new health care utility model called Civica Rx increases supply security and reduces costs for health systems, with increased access to critical medications. The model prioritizes access over profit and offers transparent pricing for all customers.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that injectable extended-release buprenorphine is limited by cost and treatment retention, while oral buprenorphine may be a more cost-effective option. The opioid overdose crisis requires a broad range of effective treatments, including injectable formulations.
A free online tool can help prostate cancer patients save thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket drug costs by comparing Medicare Part D prescription plans. The Medicare Part D Plan Finder identifies significant savings for patients taking abiraterone or enzalutamide, two common prescription drugs for advanced prostate cancer.
A nationally representative study found that at least one out of five prescriptions for commonly prescribed generic medications were cheaper through Amazon Prime or GoodRx Gold discount cards compared to actual out-of-pocket payments made by patients. The findings highlight the disproportionately higher frequency of out-of-pocket payme...
A recent study published in The Lancet found that home-monitoring during IVF is just as effective as hospital checks, with similar pregnancy rates and fewer complications. This approach also reduces costs by up to 80% and has numerous environmental benefits.
A new study finds that cost-cutting policy changes, mobile apps, and psychological strategies can increase medication adherence by nearly 1.5 times among breast cancer survivors. The study also highlights the importance of managing side effects through physical therapy, exercise, and behavioral counseling.
The estimated cost of cardiovascular disease in the EU in 2021 was €282 billion, accounting for 2% of Europe's GDP. The majority of this cost was attributed to health and social care systems, with hospital care being the main contributor.
A study by researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that high costs for hepatic encephalopathy treatment are associated with decreased treatment retention among patients. Patients who are younger and have metastatic cancer or depression are more likely to skip their medication.
Researchers have made a significant discovery in gene therapy, showing that genetically engineered blood stem cells can be created while still in the bone marrow. This approach eliminates the need for chemotherapy and transplantation of corrected cells, cutting costs and improving access to critical treatments.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a continuous-flow manufacturing method for producing cefazolin, an essential antibiotic. This new approach reduces time, cost and waste, making it ideal for flexible production and improving global health access.
A Canadian study found that patients were very satisfied with care from their family physicians (90%) and allied health teams (89%), comparable to traditional in-person models. Another pilot program successfully engaged hard-to-reach adolescents in preventive care, demonstrating a 40% increase in show rates for well visits.
A study suggests that bare minimum reimbursement rates could be a barrier to HPV vaccination, with non-pediatric specialties receiving lower rates. Family medicine doctors were found to be most sensitive to changes in reimbursement, which may contribute to geographic disparities in vaccination rates.
A new UCF study found that insurance coverage of extended-release buprenorphine injections is lacking, with only 46% of commercial plans and 19% of Medicare Advantage plans covering it. Prior-authorization requirements also pose a barrier to access, particularly for Medicaid plans.
A new analysis found that combining weight-based dosing and shared single-use vials in VA hospitals could reduce cancer spending by 14%. This concept could be applied nationwide to improve cost-effectiveness of cancer care.
The American Heart Association policy statement outlines strategies to shift towards value-based healthcare and payment models, prioritizing equity, patient and clinician experience, and individual and population health. The recommendations include person-centered, equitable, coordinated care that improves outcomes and controls costs.
The decision analytic model found monoclonal antibodies pre-exposure prophylaxis to be cost-effective for individuals at increased risk of severe COVID-19. The study suggests that lower drug prices and higher effectiveness could further increase the benefits of mAbs PrEP provision.
A randomized controlled trial found that time-restricted eating produced similar weight loss results to traditional calorie counting in a racially diverse population of adults with obesity. Participants who engaged in 8-hour time-restricted eating had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those in the control group.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found potential savings of $661.8M (78.8%) if insurers purchased seven generic oncology drugs at MCCPDC prices, with total savings ranging from $228.1M to $2,154.5M.
A Canadian study found that eliminating out-of-pocket medication expenses for patients with cost-related nonadherence results in lower healthcare spending over three years. The analysis suggests that reducing medication costs could lead to significant savings in the overall healthcare system.
A new randomized, controlled trial aims to integrate nutritional counseling with food-generating activities among people with HIV and food insecurity in the Dominican Republic. The project seeks to reduce viral loads, increase ART adherence, and improve overall health outcomes.
A national panel survey of 2,000 older adults found that 1 in 5 experienced cost-related medication nonadherence due to incorrect pricing. Real-time benefit tools can support medication cost conversations and cost-conscious prescribing, but accurate pricing is crucial to build trust with patients.
A cost analysis suggests Lecanemab, an antidementia medication with modest clinical benefit, could add billions to Medicare spending each year. Beneficiaries without supplemental coverage would face substantial out-of-pocket costs.
The Medicines for All Institute will work on 14 new global health projects, reducing costs of medicines for tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and neglected tropical diseases. With the $18.7 million grant, Medicines for All aims to improve access to low-cost medications for people living with these diseases.
Scientists have engineered plants to produce peptides with antibiotic activity against drug-resistant pathogens, which also enhances stability and prolongs activity. The resulting plants yield potent drugs at significantly lower costs than traditional methods, making them an environmentally friendly option for pharmaceutical production.
A sharp increase in colchicine's price led to a 17% drop in its use and worsened disease control in gout patients. Patients turned to alternative medications with potentially different side effects, resulting in increased emergency department visits and specialist consultations.
A Bentley University study shows that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) invests similarly to the pharmaceutical industry in bringing new drugs to market. The NIH spent $187 billion on research related to FDA-approved drugs between 2010-2019, with an average investment per approved drug of $1.7 billion.
A majority of people over 50 are open to stopping one or more prescription medicines, but many don't discuss it with their health provider first. The poll shows that comprehensive medication reviews and cost considerations play a crucial role in deprescribing conversations.
A new study found that the Medicaid 'cliff' - an abrupt end to supplemental insurance above federal poverty threshold - disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic older adults. This results in reduced healthcare use, including fewer doctor visits and prescribed medications, exacerbating existing health disparities.
A Brown-led research team found that four dementia-care interventions saved between $2,800 and $13,000 in societal costs and reduced nursing home admissions while improving quality of life. Non-drug interventions have been shown to be effective in clinical trials and can help people with dementia stay safely at home longer.
A new study reveals that the SPUR tool, developed by Kingston University and Observia, can accurately predict hospital admissions and early readmissions in people with Type 2 Diabetes. The tool has been found to be effective in reducing hospital admissions and improving patient outcomes.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found that revised prescription labels with explicit instructions can dramatically improve medication adherence to antihypertension medications, contraceptives, and asthma controllers. This improvement was seen in patients taking these medications, including those with asthma, hypertension, ...
A study found that over 80% of American adults with type 2 diabetes meet the criteria to use GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2is, but only a small percentage are using them. The medications have a substantially higher cost than current first-line treatments, making it difficult for patients to access them.
A recent study found that immunotherapy costs accounted for 84% of the net increase in Medicare spending on outpatient cancer care at the end of life. Payments for radiation oncology decreased by 2%, while palliative care spending rose, reflecting a shift towards hypofractionated radiation treatments.
A study published in the Journal of Urology found that using Mark Cuban's cost-plus drug pricing model could save Medicare an estimated $1.29 billion annually on urological drugs. This would lead to more affordable treatment options for patients and redirect taxpayer funds towards other important issues.
A study by University of Otago researchers found removing the $5 prescription charge significantly reduces hospital admissions and length of stays, especially for those with high health needs and low incomes. The authors recommend eliminating or reducing charges to address health inequities.
The American College of Physicians recommends using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or second-generation antidepressants as initial treatment for adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The guideline also suggests considering combination therapy and discussing patient preferences when selecting a treatment.
A new paper proposes sharing intellectual property rights to vaccines with the global community to increase access and potentially save millions of lives. By doing so, companies can raise prices for medicines under patents and sell them only to those willing to pay the most to maximize profits.
The American College of Physicians recommends bisphosphonates as initial pharmacologic treatment to reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis patients. Long-term use may increase risks, so treatment duration should be limited to 5 years or less.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for cancer-associated thrombosis found that DOACs are more medically effective and cost-effective. The most cost-effective DOAC, apixaban, was also shown to be the least costly anticoagulant.
A study of over one million Medicaid beneficiaries found that more than half experienced significant lapses in coverage, with only 25% continuously enrolled throughout the period. The authors recommend increasing investments to improve long-term health outcomes.
A study funded by the American Academy of Neurology found that only a small percentage of people with neurologic conditions are being treated with new medications, despite their higher costs. The study also revealed that out-of-pocket costs for new drugs are highly variable and unpredictable compared to existing medications.
Researchers analyzed Colorado's all-payer claims database to identify high-cost generic medications with lower-cost therapeutic alternatives of same clinical value, resulting in a 15.6 times price difference. Substituting these high-cost generics with their alternatives could reduce total spending by up to 88%.
Spending on prescription drugs was a significant portion of healthcare spending among Medicare beneficiaries, accounting for approximately 27%, even after post-sale rebates. The study highlights the need to address rising medication costs and explores ways to mitigate this burden on individuals and the healthcare system.
A cross-sectional study of over 70,000 Asian Americans found significant variation in obesity prevalence among subgroups, with Filipino Americans having the highest rate at 28.7% and Chinese Americans the lowest at 13.2%. The study highlights the need for tailored strategies to address obesity disparities among Asian American populations.
Researchers found that discounted prices were 1.5 times higher for human medications than for pet medications, affecting over 60% of medications.
Researchers found no link between R&D costs and high drug prices in the US, contradicting industry claims. Despite $83 billion spent on R&D in 2019, drug prices are driven by market demand rather than investment costs.
A new study found that placing a monthly cap on out-of-pocket costs for commercially insured patients could lower their highest monthly healthcare bills by 50-60%. A $500 monthly limit would affect about 25% of enrollees and reduce in-network OOP costs over a year by 46%, while a $250 limit would show a 51% reduction.
A pioneering behavioural diagnostic tool, SPUR, has been developed to improve medication adherence in type 2 diabetes patients. The study found that the tool can reliably identify patients struggling with their medicines and the reasons why.
Researchers have genetically engineered yeast to produce vindoline and catharanthine, the precursors to vinblastine, a widely used anti-cancer drug. This breakthrough may lead to new sources of these compounds and reduce dependence on plant farming and logistics challenges.
A large, randomized trial found that metformin reduced serious COVID-19 outcomes by more than half in high-risk patients when started early. The study compared three medications and provided valuable insights into their effects on COVID-19.
Research found annual earnings for men in same-sex couples decrease by $2,650 when PrEP drugs become available. Part-time employment also increases by 10.7% among young white men taking HIV prevention drugs.
A study of over 26,000 eye care professionals found that those receiving small financial incentives from pharmaceutical companies are up to twice as likely to prescribe brand-name eyedrops for glaucoma. The researchers suggest that frequent exposure to positive messaging about a drug may influence this tendency.