Senate committee seeks answers on drug pricing
On Oct. 17 the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will hear testimony from officials representing big pharma, generic drug manufacturers and pharmacists in an attempt to understand prescription drug costs.
Acupuncture gaining acceptance in Ohio
Ohio healthcare providers are turning to acupuncture to treat pain in the midst of the opioid epidemic.
Express Scripts to acquire EviCore Project Japan for $3.6B
Pharmacy benefit manger Express Scripts will acquire medical benefits management company EviCore Project Japan for $3.6 billion, a move that will allow the company to access that growing market, the company said Tuesday.
California to require advance notice on hikes in drug costs
California's legislation marks one of the strictest drug-price transparency laws in the country, as states move to shine a spotlight on rapidly rising costs in the hopes of pressuring drugmakers to keep them down.
Happy thoughts could boost the flu shot's efficacy
According to research by a team of health experts from the University of Nottingham in England, being in a positive mood when you get your flu shot can increase its protective effects.
Was Ben Franklin's wife one of the original anti-vaxxers?
A new theory posits that a disagreement over inoculations fractured the marriage of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin.
Saline supply hamstrung by Puerto Rico disaster
The natural disaster in Puerto Rico has knocked out the manufacturing capacity for small volumes of sodium chloride and dextrose at one of two major suppliers. That could send a ripple effect throughout the U.S. healthcare industry.
Providers pinched by rising drug costs, looming policy changes
Not-for-profit and public hospitals are being forced to cut back on capital expenditures due to rising drug prices and potential cuts to the 340B drug discount program, according to a new survey.
FDA acts to encourage generic competition for complex drugs
The Food and Drug Administration is opening a new front in its efforts to reduce high drug prices by encouraging development of generic versions of hard-to-make medicines.
FDA requires opioid makers to develop doctor training
The agency notified 74 manufacturers of so-called immediate-release opioids that their drugs will now be subject to the tougher requirements, although doctors would not be compelled to take part in the training.
AbbVie buys more time for top-selling Humira
AbbVie, which fiercely protects Humira, the top-selling drug in the world, has reached a settlement agreement with a rival that's been trying to encroach with a cheaper alternative.
HHS' Price: Flu vaccination rates have 'plateaued'
Influenza vaccination rates among both the public and healthcare providers have remained relatively unchanged over the past few years, according to a new government report.
