Drug Discount Programs May Not Be Cutting Costs

Axios: Why Drug-Discount Programs Aren't Always A Good Deal 
Buying prescription drugs through GoodRx, Amazon and other alternative avenues does not guarantee patients are getting a good deal. More people are purchasing their drugs with cash instead of using their health insurance, in large part because they are getting sizable discounts. But discounted prices often still have no relation to a drug's actual cost. (Herman, 5/26)

Stat: Most Clinical Trials Are Still Not Reported On Time To Federal Database
Amid ongoing calls for greater clinical trial transparency, a new analysis finds just 40% of study results were reported to a U.S. database within a required one-year deadline, although sponsors did a better job of complying with several other mandates. For instance, 89% of nearly 8,900 trials were registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on a timely basis and registration data was verified annually in 76% of the studies. In addition, protocols and statistical analysis plans were submitted in nearly all of the trials, but only two-thirds indicated sponsors made timely requests to delay reporting the results. (Silverman, 5/25)

Axios: New Alzheimer's Drug Could Enter The Market Soon 
A new drug to treat Alzheimer's disease may soon enter the market, but getting it to patients could be challenging, Bloomberg reports. The drug, which is called aducanumab and made by Biogen, is the first Alzheimer's treatment thought to slow the progression of the disease in people who show early signs of cognitive impairment. (Owens, 5/25)

More health industry news —

KHN: Lady Gaga And J.Lo Sell ‘Well’ Building Seal, But It’s A Payday, Not A PSA
Viewers could be excused for thinking Robert De Niro was just being a good fella in an ad promoting safe buildings amid the covid pandemic, along with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Michael B. Jordan. They would be wrong. De Niro and the other A-list celebs are backing something called the Well Health-Safety seal, offered by the International Well Building Institute. The organization, a for-profit subsidiary of a decade-old real estate service company called Delos, is piggybacking on post-pandemic anxiety to profit by popularizing its healthy building certification program. (McAuliff, 5/26)

KHN: ‘Better Than The Hospital’: Pandemic Boosts Care For Serious Illnesses At Home
Late last year, Janet Yetenekian was one of the thousands of people in Southern California whose case of covid-19 was serious enough to send her to the hospital. But Yetenekian’s recovery was not typical: She received hospital-level care in her own home in Glendale. “It was even better than the hospital,” Yetenekian said, laughing. “They were constantly reaching out — it’s time for you to do your vitals, or it’s time for you to take your medications.” (O'Neill, 5/26)

MoneyWise: How Millennials Are Driving Up Health Insurance Costs For Everyone Else
One-third of millennials have a health condition that reduces both their quality of life and their life expectancy, according to a recent study of medical claims done by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Index. What does that mean for this aging generation’s future? “Based on these findings, we’re seeing that millennials are not seeking preventative care and it’s not only having an effect on their immediate health, but will significantly impact their long-term health as well,” said Dr. Vincent Nelson, vice president, Medical Affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Here’s what you need to know about this looming crisis and how it may impact health insurance costs for everyone else. (Forberg, 5/25)

Stat: Ro’s Deal With Modern Fertility Puts A Spotlight On Health Tech’s Gender Gap
After raising $500 million earlier this year — bringing its total funding up to $897 million — Ro, which made its name selling erectile dysfunction and hair loss drugs to men, this month announced it would acquire women-centric brand Modern Fertility for a reported $225 million. To some observers, Ro’s acquisition of Modern Fertility follows a well-established pattern: Companies founded by men might have an easier time raising capital, even very early in their histories, while companies focused on or founded by women might struggle to scrape together a seed round or secure further financing. (Brodwin, 5/25)