Prescription Drug News and Research

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Health policy research roundup

Health Affairs: Enrollment Is Driving Medicaid Costs—But Two Targets Can Yield Savings - "Although Medicaid spending has grown faster than the rate of increase in national health spending, much of this is explained by increased enrollment," write the authors of this paper, who present data showing that "[p]er enrollee, Medicaid spending actually compares favorably to increases in medical care prices and gross domestic product."

7 Nov 2009

AARP urge Idaho's U.S. Representatives to support health care reform legislation

As the debate over health care reform reaches a fevered pitch and the House readies to vote on critical health care reform legislation in the coming days - AARP is calling on Idaho's U.S. Representatives to support the bill. The AARP-backed Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), which will close the Medicare prescription drug "doughnut hole" and tackle soaring insurance premiums, serves to help hundreds of thousands of Idahoans.

6 Nov 2009

Medtipster announces new promotion to help Michigan residents save on their prescription costs

Medtipster, the company behind the new online healthcare search engine and price comparator Medtipster.com, is pleased to announce a new promotion to help Michigan residents save on their prescription costs.

6 Nov 2009

Pelosi says House will pass health bill; measure gains AARP, AMA backing

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., says she will have enough votes to pass Democratic health care legislation by Saturday. "The statement, however, is a tacit acknowledgement that she doesn't have them yet," The Hill reports.

6 Nov 2009

Prescription drug abuse among teens: NCPIE, SAMHSA launches campaign

The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE), along with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and representatives from 15 nationally recognized prevention, health professional and child advocacy organizations, are launching Maximizing Your Role as a Teen Influencer: What You Can Do to Help Prevent Teen Prescription Drug Abuse.

6 Nov 2009

Consumers in search of saving money should reconsider prescription drug choices

Americans are increasingly scrutinizing their drug choices to find ones that work but don't break the bank. The Associated Press reports: "Last year pharmaceutical companies spent more than $4 billion urging patients like you to 'ask your doctor' about their drugs. But if you want a prescription that won't empty your wallet, while still keeping you well, you might start asking your doctor about drugs you don't see on TV.

5 Nov 2009

MFA: Fewer Medicare Advantage plans to be offered for 2010

A new report from Mark Farrah Associates (MFA), found 18% fewer Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will be offered for 2010 as the number of unique plans offered nationwide declined from 3,700 to 3,025.

5 Nov 2009

Shire receives FDA Priority Review for velaglucerase alfa NDA

Shire plc, the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Priority Review for the New Drug Application (NDA) for velaglucerase alfa, the company's enzyme replacement therapy in development for the treatment of Type 1 Gaucher disease.

4 Nov 2009

CMS releases WellCare Health Plans from the previously disclosed sanctions

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. today announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) released the Company from the previously disclosed sanctions, except as noted below. The Company will resume marketing its Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage coordinated care plans over the coming days.

4 Nov 2009

WellCare Health Plans announces financial results for the third quarter of 2009

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. today reported results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009. As determined under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the Company reported net income of $28.7 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, for the third quarter 2009, compared with a net loss of $18.2 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, for the third quarter 2008.

4 Nov 2009

Acorda Therapeutics' financial results for the third quarter of 2009 and update on Fampridine-SR

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. today announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2009.

3 Nov 2009

Prasco Laboratories to provide distribution services for generic versions of Allegra-D and Drisdol

Prasco Laboratories announced today that it has entered into agreements with Winthrop U.S., a business of sanofi-aventis U.S., to provide sales support and distribution services to Winthrop U.S. for authorized generic versions of Allegra-D® 12 Hour (fexofenadine HCl 60 mg and pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg) extended-release tablets and Drisdol® (ergocalciferol) capsules in the United States under the Winthrop label.

3 Nov 2009

Kindred Healthcare reports financial results for the third quarter of 2009

Kindred Healthcare, Inc. today announced its operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009.

3 Nov 2009

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, OPR launch an innovative oncology treatment initiative

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Oncology Physician Resource announced today the launch of an innovative oncology treatment initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of care for patients with certain types of cancer.

2 Nov 2009

Humana reports higher consolidated revenues for third quarter at $7.72 billion

Humana Inc. today reported diluted earnings per common share (EPS) for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 (3Q09) of $1.78, consistent with management’s guidance of $1.75 to $1.80. The company earned $1.09 per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (3Q08) which reflected $0.40 per share in realized losses primarily associated with other-than-temporary impairments in investments and sales of distressed financial institution securities.

2 Nov 2009

Many details still bedevil Democrats in health reform bills

It was the usual partisan squabbling on the Sunday talk shows today, while Democrats are braced for a significant week ahead, ironing out significant differences in various health reform bills.

1 Nov 2009

AARP praises General Assembly for preserving critical health care program

Older adults increasingly feeling the pinch of the recession got a significant break from the Illinois General Assembly, as legislators overrode a partial veto from Gov. Quinn on Thursday, preserving a program aimed at helping Medicare beneficiaries afford prescription drugs.

31 Oct 2009