Coronavirus News Roundup: New Guidelines on Cancer Care, Eli Lilly Launches Trial for Antibody Test
Here's this week's coronavirus-related news you should know.
Coalition of Health Groups Push for Pharmacist Provider Status
In an open letter, several health organizations urged the Trump Administration and Congress to recognize pharmacists as medical providers.
HHS Awards Over $101 Million to Tackle the Opioid Crisis
The grants are part of the administration’s continuing focus on rural health initiatives.
FDA OKs New Indication for Esketamine Nasal Spray
Esketamine (Spravato; Janssen) CIII nasal spray is the first FDA-approved antidepressant medication that improves depressive symptoms with the first dose in adults with major depressive disorder.
5 Tips for Negotiating Perks
Asking for better pay, hours, or work benefits can be intimidating for pharmacists, but these strategies can help you get the rewards you deserve.
FDA Approves CBD Treatment for Seizures in Rare Genetic Disease
The FDA approved a cannabidiol oral solution treatment (Epidiolex, Greenwich Biosciences) for seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.
2020 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting to Go Virtual
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) announced plans to hold the 2020 Midyear Clinical Meeting in December as an all-virtual experience.
Pharmacy Groups: DIR Fee Reform Needed in Drug Pricing Executive Order
NACDS, APhA, NCPA, and others warn that overlooking DIR fee reform will be detrimental to pharmacy viability.
APhA Urges American Public to Wear Masks, Keep Social Distancing
In an open letter, the American Pharmacist Association’s (APhA) Board of Trustees called for Americans to continue following public health guidelines.
FDA Releases Guidance To Boost Cannabis Clinical Research
Responding to growing interest by industry stakeholders, the agency has offered draft guidance outlining quality considerations and other practical recommendations for cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds.
APhA Pushes for Pharmacist Provider Status to Expand COVID-19 Testing
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) urged Congress to take immediate action to expand coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing services by granting pharmacists temporary provider status.
FIP Advocates for Expanding Pharmacists’ Roles in Immunization Globally
A global pharmacy organization is aiming to help pharmacists expand their role in immunization via a new resource.
Nominations Open for SingleCare’s Best of the Best Pharmacy Awards
SingleCare’s second annual Pharmacy Awards honors pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, the COVID-19 pandemic’s unsung health care heroes.
US Secures Deal with Pfizer, BioNTech for 100 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate
The US government agreed to pay $1.95 billion for the first 100 million doses of Pfizer and BioNTech’s investigational candidate.
Microbiome Research Calls for Due Diligence in Pharmacy
Prepare to counsel patients on microbiome-related products.
HHS Invites NACDS to Join Federal Vaccine Consultation Panel
The Federal Vaccine Consultation Panel will allow industry leaders to share the questions, concerns, and needs of their constituencies related to the development and distribution planning of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Oxford’s COVID-19 Vaccine Induces Strong Immune Responses in Early-Stage Trial
The AZD1222 vaccine, made from a common cold virus present in chimpanzees, produced rapid neutralizing antibody levels against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
CVS Addresses Complaints of Understaffing, Prescription Errors
The Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy fined CVS Health $125,000 after receiving multiple complaints about errors and overwhelmed staff members.
Psychedelic Medicines for Pain Go Mainstream
Once largely stigmatized, illicit substances are breaking into the field of pain management.
FDA Grants Fast Track Designation for 2 MRNA-Based COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates
Pfizer and BioNTech SE announced that 2 of its most successful vaccine candidates received Fast Track designation from the FDA, opening the avenue for speedy development.
Social Determinants of Health: Tackle Disparities From the Pharmacy
Enhanced pharmacy services such as home delivery, curbside services, and expanded personal patient outreach create opportunities to address social determinants of health during the pandemic.
Sandoz to Supply Critical Injectable Generic Medications to Hospitals
Sandoz is collaborating with Civica Rx to provide critical injectable generic medicines to hospitals to help reduce supply shortages.
American Cancer Society Updates Guidelines for HPV Vaccination
The American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines regarding the administration of the HPV vaccine.
Pharmacy Groups Urge CMS to Reimburse for Medical at Home Services
A group of pharmacies and pharmacy organizations urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to formally recognize and promote medical at home pharmacy services for long-term care.
NACDS: Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances Should be Mandatory
NACDS is urging the Drug Enforcement Administration to make electronic prescriptions for controlled substances mandatory.
Kroger Health to Start Offering COVID-19 Home Collection Test
Kroger Health will start offering its COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit with the guidance of a telehealth consultation.
CDC: Partnerships With Pharmacists Expand Diabetes Prevention Efforts
The CDC has identified the pharmacy sector as a key partner in offering its lifestyle change-based program for patients with high risk for type 2 diabetes.
APhA Connects with Pharmacy Technician Certification Board To Provide Immunization Training
A collaboration between APhA and PTCB will help provide pharmacy technician credentialing in immunization delivery.
Premature Testing More Likely to Result in False Negative for COVID-19
A Johns Hopkins research team has determined that tests are more likely to result in false negatives for the COVID-19 virus if taken too early in the course of infection.
FDA Guidance Provides Safety, Quality Standards for COVID-19 Vaccine Development
In a new guidance, the FDA provides recommendations for those developing COVID-19 vaccines to ensure safety and efficacy.
