July Month in Review: Top Stories on Drug Topics®

Did you miss the top stories on Drug Topics® this month? Catch up on these noteworthy stories today.

10. Generic Prices in Mark Cuban's Service Could Have Saved Medicare $3.6 Billion

Researchers calculated that buying 77 generic drugs at prices being charged by Mark Cuban’s online pharmacy prices would have significantly lowered Medicare spending on those drugs.

9. Adventures in Pharmacy Front End Retailing

Independent pharmacy owners need to pay more attention to the front end of their store.

8. PBMs Are Starting Group Purchasing Organizations Leading to a Question of Why

The Big Three all set up group purchasing organizations recently, but some industry observers question the timing of the move and who will benefit.

7. Helping Patients Manage Diabetes Burnout

Over time, the emotional burden of managing the disease can become overwhelming.

6. Prescription to OTC Switches A Boon for Pharmacy Front End

Medications that switch from prescription-only to OTC can be stocked in the pharmacy’s front end.

5. Pharmacy Groups Respond to AMA Criticism on Pharmacists Prescribing Paxlovid

Groups responded quickly in defense of pharmacists’ ability to prescribe Paxlovid through Test to Treat programs.

4. What Drives Link Between Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder

Patients with central sensitization struggle more with pain and quitting opioids

3. At Least 105 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine for Fall Ordered by HHS

Purchase follows FDA recommendation to include Omicron component in boosters.

2. Breaking: FDA Issues EUA for Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted

Adults aged 18 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine.

1. Diabetes Medications Find a Second Life as Weight-Loss Drugs

Novo Nordisk’s Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are leading the way for a new crop of drugs that reduce appetite, but the cost-effectiveness is in question with many payers saying no to coverage.