Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
New ALS Drug Shows Promise In Helping Some Patients Improve
The New York Times: Tofersen, A New Treatment For A.L.S., Reverses Symptoms For Some
The drug is for a small subset of patients. But evidence that breathing and strength can get better for some of them is remarkable for a paralyzing, usually fatal disease. (Belluck, 5/6)
More pharma and tech developments —
MedPage Today: Safety Data On The Novel Pancreatic Cancer Drug Available By Early Access
The investigational drug daraxonrasib, now available through an early access program, demonstrated promising efficacy in previously treated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and was associated with high-grade adverse events in about a third of patients, phase I/II data showed. (Bassett, 5/6)
NPR: These Labs Say They Can Screen Embryos For Specific Traits. Should You?
Justin Schleede reaches onto a black lab bench to pick up a tray of small plastic tubes. "These are saliva samples as well as blood," says Schleede, a geneticist who runs Herasight Inc.'s lab in Morrisville, N.C. "We also get cells from the embryos." Herasight, which is named after Hera, the Greek goddess associated with fertility, is one of a handful of new companies that analyze samples like these for a controversial new type of genetic testing: polygenic embryo screening. (Stein, 5/6)
Stat: Pharma's Reputation Among Patient Groups Inched Up Last Year
The pharmaceutical industry saw its reputation among patient groups inch up last year, but the rise masks fresh concerns about the extent to which some companies are sufficiently focusing on patient needs, according to a new survey. (Silverman, 5/5)
On the high cost of medicine —
KFF Health News: Trump Promised Cheaper Drugs. Some Prices Dropped. Many Others Shot Up
Since his second term started, President Donald Trump has announced, negotiated, or floated a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry. No surprise. About 60% of American adults are “worried about being able to afford prescription drug costs for themselves or their families,” a recent KFF nationwide poll showed. More than 80% consider the price of prescription drugs “unreasonable,” and most support increased regulation to lower costs. Americans pay about three times as much as people in other countries for the same prescription drugs. (Rosenthal and Allen, 5/7)
KFF Health News: That Discount At The Pharmacy Counter May Pack Hidden Costs
Next time you go to the pharmacy, you might be offered a coupon on your prescription drugs. While it may sound like a great deal — with the prospect of saving hundreds of dollars — the decision to accept it is complicated, especially for people with insurance. Even as prescription drug costs rise, patients with commercial insurance have slowed their use of manufacturer-sponsored drug coupons in recent years, according to a study published April 6 by the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Spears, 5/7)
