Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Deal Reached In Lawsuit Demanding Access To Lower-Cost HIV Drugs
Stat: Bristol Myers Agrees To Settle Lawsuit Alleging Anti-Competitive Deals Involving HIV Drugs
After three years of squabbling, Bristol Myers Squibb has agreed to pay up to $11 million to settle a lawsuit that accused several drugmakers of conspiring to block generic competition to HIV medicines. The lawsuit described an unusual scheme concerning fixed-dose combinations of different HIV medicines, which have been widely used for several years to combat the virus. The complaint also cited Gilead Sciences and Johnson & Johnson, whose medicines are useful components in these combinations, which are sometimes referred to as cocktail treatments. (Silverman, 4/14)
In other news about the cost of pharmaceuticals —
Axios: MS Has An Economic Cost Of $85.4B, Study Says
The economic cost of multiple sclerosis, or MS, was about $85.4 billion in the U.S. in 2019, according to research published Wednesday in the online issue of Neurology. According to the report, MS has a direct medical cost of $63.3 billion and indirect and non-medical costs of $22.1 billion. Retail prescription medication (54%), clinic administered drugs (12%), medication and administration and outpatient care (9%) were the three largest components of the direct costs. (Reed, 4/14)
Stat: Analysis: $2.1M Price Tag For Bluebird Bio's Gene Therapy Is Cost-Effective
As the U.S. health care system braces for expensive gene therapies, a new analysis suggests that a forthcoming treatment for a rare disease called beta thalassemia would be cost-effective — even if priced at $2.1 million. The therapy, which is being developed by Bluebird Bio, is still being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and approval is not expected for several months. Although a formal price has not been disclosed, the company has previously indicated it was looking to charge $2.1 million for its treatment using a five-year installment plan. (Silverman, 4/13)
The Motley Fool: 2 Unbelievable Clues That Biotech Revenue May Soon Rival Big Pharma
Biotech has long been the little sibling of big pharmaceutical companies. ... But the following charts show two amazing clues that biotech revenue soon may rival that of big pharma. (Cimino, 4/13)
And some encouraging news in the fight against diabetes —
WFSU: Tallahassee Medical Clinic Acquires New Retinal Tool To Diagnose Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is widespread in many parts of Tallahassee. Now, the Care Point Health & Wellness Center, run by Big Bend Cares, has a powerful new tool to detect the disease early. The Retina Vue device resembles an overgrown set of binoculars. Big Bend Cares board Chair Stanley Kahn II said it's a welcome addition to the center's diagnostic toolbox "to be able to provide retinal scans that can be essential to our diabetic patients here at Care Point." That means treatments can begin earlier and therefore be more effective. The device was made possible by a grant from the Florida Blue Foundation. Ashley Rousseau, who manages Florida Blue's Tallahassee office, said the whole idea is to expand preventive patient care. (Flanigan, 4/12)
