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What We're Reading: Importing Drugs From Canada; House Passes VA Bill; Opioid Withdrawal Treatment
A new law in Vermont would allow the state to import drugs from Canada, but it needs to be certified by HHS; the House passes a bill to expand veterans' access to private care; the FDA has approved the first nonopioid to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Vermont Wants to Import Drugs From Canada
A new law in Vermont would allow the state to import drugs from Canada. However, the law, signed by Governor Phil Scott, needs to be certified by HHS, according to Reuters. HHS has not indicated a willingness to allow such a move. HHS Secretary Alex Azar has explained that Canada has a limited supply of drugs and would not have enough to sell them to the United States.
House Votes to Expand Veterans’ Access to Private Care
A bill that would allow veterans to receive care from a private physician if a government-run center can’t provide the care has passed the House by a vote of 347-70. The program would be implemented next year and would fulfill the president’s promise to expand veterans’ access to private care, reported AP. The bill has the support of nearly 40 organizations and could be expanded based on veterans’ demand and if care in the Veterans Affairs health system is deemed inadequate. The bill is now going to the Senate.
FDA Approves Nonopioid Treatment for Opioid Withdrawal
Lofexidine hydrochloride (Lucemyra) has been approved to help adults manage the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, marking the first FDA-approved nonopioid treatment in the area. According to The Wall Street Journal, the treatment isn’t specifically designed to treat opioid addiction, but it releases norepinephrine, which is believed to play a role in withdrawal symptoms. The drug may lessen the severity of symptoms but may not prevent them completely. The drug is approved for treatment up to 14 days.
Standard Criteria for Loss of Ambulation Needed in DMD
April 19th 2024A recent study suggests the differences between ambulation definitions for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can impact the identification of ambulant vs nonambulant individuals, and standard criteria across settings are needed.
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Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
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Early Involvement Critical in Treating Immunotherapy-Induced Overlap Syndrome
April 19th 2024A series of case studies reveals the importance of early diagnosis and involvement of special teams of clinicians when dealing with potential cases of overlap syndrome, which encompasses myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, and immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myositis.
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Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
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