AJMC Staff

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to sharp declines in US life expectancy; a new CMS administrator nominee is selected; Biden administration announces funds to combat virus variants.

Novartis is teaming up with the Gates Foundation to develop a gene therapy for sickle cell disease; the World Health Organization reports a drop in global cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); storms hinder vaccine rollout across the United States.

The Affordable Care Act marketplace reopened yesterday for a special enrollment period that will run until May 15; daily US coronavirus infections drop below 100,000 for first time since November; opioid deaths rise significantly amid the pandemic.

British scientists report research linking a UK coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variant with higher risk of hospitalization and death; polls highlight the partisan gap among Americans willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19; state legislators nationwide are targeting legislation to curb rising drug prices.

Every week, The American Journal of Managed Care® recaps the top managed care news of the week, and you can now listen to it on our podcast, Managed Care Cast.

Using CRISPR, researchers were able to repeat the step-by-step conversion of a normal cell into a malignant one in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Speech impairment was primarily linked to motor impairment, according to a study examining the development trajectory of children with spinal muscular atrophy.

The Biden administration purchases an additional 200 million coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine doses; the president plans to revoke Medicaid work requirements; companies seek billion-dollar tax deductions in opioid crisis settlement.

Coverage of our peer-reviewed research and news reporting in the health care and mainstream press.

CDC updates its guidance to reflect best mask-wearing practices; study highlights racial disparities in nursing home coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) deaths; North Dakota to consider mandatory mental health studies in schools.

The FDA issues an emergency use authorization (EUA) for Eli Lilly’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment; insurance waivers for COVID-19–related costs are starting to expire; new data update convalescent plasma’s indication.

House Democrats include a major expansion of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies in their proposed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) relief package; differences between vaccine hesitancy and refusal are spotlighted; CanSino Biologics’ 1-shot vaccine is 65.7% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 cases.

South Africa suspends inoculations with AstraZeneca's coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine; mask mandates linked with reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations; VBID's monthly office hours to be held this week.

Every week, The American Journal of Managed Care® recaps the top managed care news of the week, and you can now listen to it on our podcast, Managed Care Cast.

The FDA is scheduled to hear Johnson and Johnson's request for an emergency use authorization (EUA) for their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine later this month; Senate passes economic relief package; heavy metals found in some baby food.

Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center found that laparoscopy cost more upfront but eliminated wasteful treatment decisions.

McKinsey pays $573 million over its role in the opioid crisis; a British study will test mixing 2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines; new clinical trial data point to a potential vaccine approach to combat HIV.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and CureVac will partner to accelerate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine production; new data show 76% efficacy for Oxford’s COVID-19 vaccine; 1 million vaccine doses will be sent to 6500 pharmacies.

More Americans have received at least 1 dose of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine than have tested positive for the virus; Biden administration funds mass production of a rapid over-the-counter COVID-19 test; breast cancer surpasses lung cancer as most common cancer worldwide.

CDC mandate requiring masks on most forms of public transportation to go into effect today; FDA will extend its review period on a possible new Alzheimer disease drug; HHS will delay the start date of a Trump administration drug pricing rebate rule.

Every week, The American Journal of Managed Care® recaps the top managed care news of the week, and you can now listen to it on our podcast, Managed Care Cast.

An engineered lentivirus was created to avoid some of the drawbacks associated with current gene therapy vectors for sickle cell disease (SCD) and beta-thalassemia.

Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, release positive results from phase 3 trials on their respective coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines; report indicates undercounted nursing home deaths in New York; experts push for improved mask practices.

Coverage of our peer-reviewed research and news reporting in the health care and mainstream press.

Rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases decline in 41 states; Aetna to cover medically necessary breast augmentations for transgender individuals; Oklahoma seeks to return $2 million worth of hydroxychloroquine.

The Biden administration promises to increase vaccine delivery; the FDA issues an alert on alcohol-based hand sanitizers from Mexico; 3 pharma giants partner to speed EU vaccination efforts.

President Joe Biden reportedly will take executive action to reopen federal marketplaces selling Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans; Moderna investigating booster shot designed to be more effective against emerging variants of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); Brazil coronavirus variant is found in Minnesota.

Voclosporin, the first FDA-approved oral therapy for lupus nephritis, will be sold as Lupkynis by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals and is approved for use in conjunction with immunosuppressive treatment.

President to sign travel ban meant to contain more contagious variants of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); limited vaccine supply concerns top health officials; Merck ends COVID-19 vaccine development.

Every week, The American Journal of Managed Care® recaps the top managed care news of the week, and you can now listen to it on our podcast, Managed Care Cast.