And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is a decidedly low-key affair. We look forward to promenading with the official mascot, binge-watching in front of the telly, and holding our weekly listening party (the rotation includes this, this and this). And what about you? Spring is edging closer, so this may be an opportunity to get a head start on cleaning out your castle. You could slow down and catch up on your reading, plan an overdue getaway, or simply chart the rest of your life. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon. …
Now that Eli Lilly slashed the price for some of its insulin products, the moves raised questions about what will happen to other efforts to provide low-cost insulin, Kaiser Health News explains. Civica, a nonprofit, plans to begin selling biosimilar insulin for roughly $30 per vial by 2024 — $5 more than the new price of Lilly’s generic insulin. And the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co. plans to sell low-cost insulin. But drug=pricing experts predict Lilly’s moves will not undercut those efforts. And these other initiatives to bring lower-cost insulin to market, in turn, would put pressure on Lilly to keep its prices down.
A Biden administration proposal to broaden access to over-the-counter medications is drawing interest from manufacturers of products as varied as birth control, erectile dysfunction, and cholesterol medication. But while some companies are already altering plans to fit the requirements, the idea is also raising concerns among consumer advocates over cost and safety issues, Roll Call tells us. The proposed rule would allow drugmakers to sell certain products over the counter with an extra step, or an “additional condition for nonprescription use,” to help mitigate safety concerns. That could include a brief phone, online, or in-store survey to weed out those at risk for side effects.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
STAT encourages you to share your voice. We welcome your commentary, criticism, and expertise on our subscriber-only platform, STAT+ Connect