Posts by workweek
The Future of Weight Management
The Journal published Phase III clinical trial results of Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug, tirzepatide. If the drug name rings a bell, it’s because I discussed the preliminary results a couple of weeks ago. At the time, I emphasized these initial results were a big deal. This time, I’m emphasizing these final results are a huge deal that has implications for solving the metabolic…
Read MoreHealthcare Supply Chain Gone Haywire
SUPPLY CHAIN Healthcare Supply Chain Gone Haywire Hospitals are grappling with yet another serious, pandemic-induced supply chain shortage. This time: intravenous contrast. My ThoughtsGE Healthcare’s production site in Shanghai shut down in April after the city went into another Covid-19 lockdown. Return to production has been slow. The company estimates the site is now operating at…
Read MoreThe Other Epidemic
PUBLIC HEALTH The Other Epidemic By the time you finish reading this newsletter, at least one American will have died from an opioid overdose. Overdose deaths have increased nearly 50% since the pandemic began, according to new data from the CDC. 2021 alone saw a record 108K overdose deaths, likely driven by fentanyl-laced drugs. The DeetsWhile the…
Read MoreThe Next Frontier of Migraine
Fresh off a profitable fiscal year, Pfizer will use its cash to acquire Biohaven Pharmaceuticals for $11.6B—their largest acquisition since 2016. Biohaven focuses on neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases like migraines, which are often overlooked and untapped in therapeutics. The DeetsThe $11.6B deal will give Pfizer access to Biohaven’s innovative calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-targeting migraine medications: Rimegepant (Nurtec): FDA-approved for prevention and…
Read MoreMedicare Disadvantage?
Some Medicare Advantage health plans have wrongfully denied or delayed prior authorizations and payment requests, according to a new report from the Office of the Inspector General. Are these MA plans genuinely “great” if they only burden patients and providers? Some Background The $412 billion MA market is booming. MA plans saw an 8.8% increase in enrollment this year,…
Read MoreMedicare Disadvantage?
INSURANCE Medicare Disadvantage? Some Medicare Advantage health plans have wrongfully denied or delayed prior authorizations and payment requests, according to a new report from the Office of the Inspector General. Are these MA plans genuinely “great” if they only burden patients and providers? Some BackgroundThe $412 billion MA market is booming. MA plans saw an 8.8% increase in enrollment…
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