Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Cost-Effectiveness Data Missing From Drugs That Cost Medicare $50 Billion
Axios: Pricey Drugs Paid By Medicare Lack Cost-Effectiveness Data
Nearly $50 billion or a third of Medicare Part D costs in 2016 were for drugs with absent cost-effectiveness analyses, according to a report from JAMA Network Open. The lack of a quality analysis that weighs the relative cost with outcomes of these drugs may create hurdles toward efforts aimed at addressing drug spending in terms of value. (Fernandez, 6/21)
Stat: A California Law That Bans Drug Coupons Failed To Increase Generic Use
A California law that banned coupons for brand-name prescription drugs failed to significantly boost greater use of cheaper generics during its first year, according to a new analysis. The law, which went into effect in January 2018, was one of many gambits by state officials to control the rising cost of prescription drugs. Coupons made an attractive target. Drug makers argue that they lower out-of-pocket expenses for consumers, but critics say coupons are slick marketing tools used to promote higher-cost medicines and eventually, cost the overall health system more money. (Silverman, 6/18)
Stat: Medical Journal Argues A Drug Maker's Libel Suit Is A Bid To Chill Research
File this under “Not every legal brief is eye-glazing. ”Two months ago, Pacira Biosciences (PCRX) took the highly unusual step of filing a libel lawsuit against a medical journal, its editor, and the authors of several published papers, arguing the articles were based on “faulty scientific research” and as a result, its only medicine was portrayed as ineffective. (Silverman, 6/18)
