STAT+ | Caribbean Health News

STAT+: Pharmalittle: Big PBM keeps AbbVie’s Humira on formulary; Lilly CEO says fake tweet means there’s more to do on insulin costs

Good morning, everyone, and how are you today? We are doing just fine, thank you, as we make our way through a three-day jaunt to the corporate nerve center for different gatherings. We are fortified, of course, by cups of stimulation, which we find when and where we can when on the road. Perhaps you can relate.

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Meanwhile, as we hunt for still another, here is the latest laundry list of interesting items to help you on your journey today. We do hope you have a meaningful and productive experience. And as always, we invite you to keep in touch. After all, our work is more interesting when you pass along insights, tips, and secrets. …

UnitedHealth Group’s pharmacy benefits manager, OptumRx, will keep AbbVie’s Humira alongside up to three biosimilar medicines next year, Bloomberg News writes. The decision is a partial win for AbbVie, since its rheumatoid arthritis treatment has generated almost $200 billion in sales in nearly two decades. Several competing biosimilar versions are set to debut in the U.S. in 2023, giving prescription drug plans a chance to pit different suppliers against one another for discounts. Optum Rx, which is the third-largest U.S. pharmacy benefit manager and managed $112 billion in drug spending last year, will place biosimilars on its formulary in the same position as Humira.

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2 years 9 months ago

Pharma, Pharmalot, pharmalittle, STAT+

STAT

STAT+: Pharmalittle: Walmart to pay $3.1 billion to settle opioid claims; Indian Covid vaccine underwent troubling approval process

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Good morning, everyone, and how are you today? We are doing just fine, thank you, as we settle in to a busy routine at the latest big STAT event. However, we are exerting additional energy in search of an acceptable cup of stimulation. We will keep you posted on our progress. Meanwhile, we have still found time to assemble the latest list of interesting items for you to peruse. As always, we hope you have a meaningful and productive day. And of course, please keep in touch. We treasure secret dossiers and other delicious tidbits. …

Walmart has agreed to pay $3.1 billion to settle opioid-crisis lawsuits brought by several U.S. states and municipalities, adding to a landmark settlement with rival pharmacy chains, The Wall Street Journal writes. The agreement, which will require significant improvements in how Walmart pharmacies handle opioids, resolves a collection of lawsuits brought by states, cities, and Native American tribes. Earlier this month, CVS Health and Walgreens Boots Alliance agreed to pay roughly $5 billion apiece to settle the lawsuits. The companies did not admit wrongdoing. Each state, local government, and tribe will need to decide whether to participate in the settlement.