MorningRX: August 24, 2023

CVS Health Launches Company Focused on Biosimilars

CVS Health is officially joining the biosimilar market with its new subsidiary company called Cordavis, according to a press release. The new company will focus on working directly with manufacturers to commercialize and co-produce affordable biosimilar products approved by the FDA. Cordavis will begin with Hyrimoz, an adalimumab-adaz (Humira) biosimilar, which it has contracted with Sandoz to be available by the first quarter of 2024. CVS said that the Humira biosimilar will be more than 80% lower than the current list price.

"CVS Health has a history of bringing innovative solutions to the market that lower the cost of drugs and ensure people have access to the medications they need to stay healthy," Shawn Guertin, chief financial officer at CVS Health, said in a release. "Cordavis is a logical evolution for us and will help ensure sufficient supply of biosimilars in the U.S. and support this market now and in the future, while ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing costs for consumers."

FDA Issues Warning for Certain Eye Drop Products

The FDA has issued a warning for consumers not to use certain eye drop products due to possible bacterial and fungal contamination, according to a release. The warning covers 2 products—Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops 5% Solution and LightEyez MSM Eye Drop Eye Repair—which also contain the unapproved and illegally distributed drug methylsulfonylmethane. Dr. Berne issued a verbal agreement to the FDA to recall the products, but LightEyez has not responded to the agency’s messages. The FDA advises anyone with the eye drops to properly discard them immediately.

CDC Advises Against Kissing or Snuggling Your Pet Turtle

The CDC is currently investigating a possible multistate outbreak of salmonella that has been linked to small pet turtles, according to a warning issued by the public health agency. Pet turtles of any size can carry salmonella, which they can spread to humans through touch, as well as anywhere they inhabit or crawl. The CDC advises taking steps to stay healthy around pet turtles, including washing your hands after touching them, not kissing or snuggling them, and keeping their tanks clean. Turtles with shells less than 4 inches long are federally banned from being sold or distributed, due to being known to spread various diseases.