SPOTLIGHT -
The smoking-cessation drug varenicline (Chantix, Pfizer) may increase the risk of cardiovascular adverse events, according to an updated safety review from FDA.
ICER to Shine a Light on Clinical Trial Diversity
Foluso Agboola discusses the framework that the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review has developed for assessing whether clinical trial populations represent the real-world patient population.
FDA Approves Vemlidy for Children with Hepatitis B
Vemlidy is now approved to treat patients 6 years and older with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
FDA Approves Vafseo for Anemia in Kidney Disease
Vafseo, an oral therapy to treat patients with anemia due to chronic kidney, will be available in January 2025. About 40% of patients who could be treated with Vafseo have coverage through Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare’s Spending on Ozempic and Other GLP-1s Rises Steeply
Ozempic and Rybelsus could become a target for Medicare price negotiation because of high spending and additional approved uses of the GLP-1 therapies.
AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy Selected to Distribute Vivjoy
Vivjoy is an azole antifungal to reduce the incidence of chronic vaginal yeast infection in postmenopausal women.
FDA Approves Merck’s Drug for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Sotatercept — now with the brand name Winrevair — will be available through specialty pharmacies by the end of April. The price of Winrevair is $14,000 per vial.