Drug Topics Top 10: Most Read Stories From November 2024

Two Independent Pharmacies Latest to Sue Major PBMs

Drug Topics Top 10: Most Read Stories From November 2024 / Pixel-Shot - stock.adobe.com

Old Baltimore Pike Apothecary and Smith’s Pharmacy II filed a class action lawsuit directed at 4 pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and GoodRx for their roles in manipulating prescription drug prices.

H5N1 Bird Flu: A Slowly Looming Public Health Threat

Throughout 2024, the US has experienced an unprecedented outbreak of avian influenza A(H5)—otherwise known as the bird flu—impacting dairy herds and poultry farms across the country. The current risk of humans contracting the virus remains low and no human-to-human transmission has been reported. Despite this, the bird flu has made its way from birds and cows to a total of 53 humans in 7 states,1 raising alarms to public health officials and infectious disease experts in fear of a future pandemic situation.

Lenacapavir for PrEP Demonstrates Strong Efficacy, Adherence in Phase 3 Trial

Full results have been announced from a phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of twice-yearly lenacapavir for PrEP to prevent HIV infection in individuals aged 16 years or older who have sex with male partners, Gilead announced in a release.

Why Vaccination Uptake is Crucial During the Winter Season

Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, Professor at the University of Louisville’s Division of Infectious Disease and co-founder of the Infection Prevention Institute, has partnered with Sanofi to talk about the importance of annual flu vaccination and address individuals that are particularly at risk.

Prescription Drugs in the US Must Be Viewed as Critical Infrastructure | ASPL 2024

In order to ensure the safety and integrity of the US drug supply chain, it’s important for all parties acting within it to consider the drugs themselves as critical infrastructure to the country as a whole, not just within the pharmaceutical industry.

The Nuances of Marijuana’s Potential Rescheduling | ASPL 2024

On August 27, 2024, after a concerted effort to reclassify the federal government’s perspective on marijuana, the DEA announced that it would hold an official hearing to reschedule the substance in regard to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Despite Benefits, Mediterranean Diet Adherence in RA Remains Low | ACR Convergence

Although they are open to education, many patients with rheumatoid arthritis do not follow the evidence-based Mediterranean dietary patterns, according to research presented at ACR Convergence 2024.

Corresponding Responsibility of Pharmacies, DEA to Uphold Controlled Substances Act | ASPL 2024

When distributing medication in ordinance with the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), it is imperative that all pharmacists ensure each prescription they dispense is intended to serve a specific medical purpose for their patient.

The Supreme Court Decisions Impacting Pharmacy Industry, Agency Interactions | ASPL 2024

Addressing recent Supreme Court decisions and developments within the pharmacy industry, a pharmacy law expert discussed how these decisions impact pharmacies’ ability to dispense medication and agency roles in enforcing regulatory standards.

How the Inflation Reduction Act Will Impact Pharmacy Reimbursement | ASPL 2024

Earlier this year in August, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the Biden-Harris administration reached an agreement on its negotiations with manufacturers for lower prices on the 10 CMS-selected drugs.

Pharmacy practice is always changing. Stay ahead of the curve: Sign up for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips, straight to your inbox.