The FDA has authorized changes to the bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, which will simplify their use and administration. The changes to the Moderna vaccine will allow vials to be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours before use, rather than requiring refrigeration. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will now be available in multidose vials, which will reduce the amount of packaging required and help streamline the distribution process. These changes will make it easier for healthcare providers to vaccinate patients and help increase vaccination rates.
The HHS recently announced that pharmacists will retain certain authorities under the PREP Act declaration for COVID-19 countermeasures through December 2024. This means pharmacists, technicians, and interns will continue to be able to administer COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines for patients aged 3 years and older, as well as administer COVID-19 tests and Paxlovid. This decision will help ensure that patients continue to have access to the care they need to stay healthy and safe.
Great news for the fight against opioid overdoses! The FDA has approved the first over-the-counter nasal spray containing naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This is a major step forward in increasing access to this medication, which has been shown to be a highly effective tool in preventing fatalities. Making it available over the counter means more people will be able to easily obtain and administer naloxone in an emergency.
The FDA is moving forward with a new initiative to help combat the opioid crisis by providing safe and convenient ways to dispose of unused medication. The agency will be developing and testing mail-back envelopes for patients who are prescribed opioid analgesics in outpatient settings. This will reduce the risk of opioid addiction and overdose, as unused medication is often left in medicine cabinets where it can be accessed by others. With these mail-back envelopes, we can continue combating the opioid epidemic.
Introduced: Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act
If passed, this companion legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) would improve transparency and protect taxpayers by preventing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from using spread pricing in Medicaid managed care programs. PBM tactics are under a microscope as the go-betweens continue to profit at the expense of patients’ access to medication and overall patient care.
What’s the Middleman Doing? The Need for PBM Transparency
PrimeCare customers, Integra X Files hosts were thrilled to have Ryan Oftebro, PharmD, FACA, CEO of the independent Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group, join us for an insightful discussion on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Oftebro recently testified on Capitol Hill at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, addressing the issue of transparency in PBM business practices. In light of his testimony, we discuss the current state of PBM transparency and how the "Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act" aims to bring fairness and honesty to the industry. Tune in as we explore this critical topic with an expert who has firsthand experience with the impact of PBM practices.
