Soaring drug prices continue to be under scrutiny this week as our lead story attests. CAR-T therapy offers hope to cancer patients but at what cost to insurers? The Trump Administration continues its offensive against big pharma and drug price increases. These top stories and more in this week’s Innovation Partners BioBlog.
Staggering Prices Slow Insurers’ Coverage Of CAR-T Cancer Therapy
CAR-T Therapy promises to help many but the high costs keep insurers from embracing the revolutionary treatment. The two approved therapies for patients with blood cancers have failed to respond to repeated bouts of chemotherapy are priced in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, leading to delays in approvals.
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The US Oncology Network Promotes Leader in Value-Based Care Dr. Marcus Neubauer to Chief Medical Officer
Marcus Neubauer, M.D., has been appointed by the US Oncology Network to a position as its chief medical officer.Michael Seiden, M.D., Ph.D. will continue to lead The Network as its president. The US Oncology Network is committed to delivering a comprehensive approach to cancer care.
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Increasing drug prices despite public scrutiny ‘makes absolutely no sense,’ says analyst
Pfizer is among several drug companies that continue to raise their prices despite public and government scrutiny. Pfizer raised the prices of more than 40 drugs starting in July in a move that puzzles analysts. Analysts state that the entire pharmaceutical industry uses price increases for growth too frequently.
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Sniffles? Cancer? Under Medicare Plan, Payments for Office Visits Would Be Same for Both
The Trump Administration has proposed changes to Medicare payments to pay an equal amount for all doctors’ office visits regardless of the purpose of the visit. One rate would be paid for new patients and another for recurring visits. The administration claims this will free up doctors’ time to spend more of an appointment with patients and less on paperwork and reduce the paperwork burden on medical practices. Critics contend that this change would underpay for complex needs and discourage doctors from accepting Medicare.
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Roche Hiked Cancer-Drug Prices Before Pledge to Keep Them Flat
Roche promised not to raise drug prices – after raising them twice this year. The company promised on July 11 not to raise its prices, but the promise came after its two annually scheduled price increases. Roche raises prices, on average, by 3% each January and July.
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Complementary medicine for cancer can decrease survival
A new report indicates that people who refuse one or more conventional treatments in lieu of complementary medicine for cancer treatment have a lower survival rate. This report comes as the use of complementary medicine is increasing in the United States.
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How the Trump Administration Is Browbeating Big Pharma on Drug Prices
Trump Administration officials issued a warning to pharmaceutical executives about the rising costs of drugs. And while the Administration favors free-market solutions, they are not opposed to stronger remedies if prices continue to rise. A look at the Administration’s continued efforts to combat the rising cost of drugs.
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