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What We’re Reading: J&J Loses Appeal; Opioid Settlement in the Works; Diabetes Prevention Results Released
A decision was upheld that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) must pay a $2.1-billion fine from a 2018 court decision; 3 major drug distributors face up to $18 billion in opioid-related fines; a new diabetes prevention platform may assist in symptom prevention.
J&J Baby Powder Lawsuit Decision Upheld
Missouri’s Supreme Court has upheld a lower court decision from 2018 that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) must pay $2.1 billion in damages related to a talc-based powder lawsuit, reports Bloomberg. The amount was awarded after a St Louis jury determined that the powder, which was shown to be laced with asbestos, was a principal culprit in 20 ovarian cancers. Close to 20,000 lawsuits are still pending related to instances of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, the latter of which specifically results from inhaled asbestos fibers. Talc-based baby powder was removed from US and Canadian shelves in October after the pharmaceutical giant agreed to stop selling them in May.
McKesson Corp, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health on Hook for Billions
The 3 major drug distributors, says Reuters, proposed a settlement of $18 billion for 3200 lawsuits related to the ongoing opioid crisis. Although this amount was negotiated with 4 state attorneys general—J&J is also a party to the lawsuits and will contribute an additional $5 billion—talks are ongoing, with local governments “desperately in need of relief,” but several states still resistant to the proposal. McKesson’s portion of $8 billion would be paid out over 18 years.
Omada Health Releases Data on Novel Diabetes Prevention Program
The digital health company’s research results, according to Stat News, show the possibility of a new inroad into diabetes symptom prevention when a virtual platform is combined with in-person treatment. Findings from a randomized controlled trial of close to 600 patients with prediabetes show more weight was lost and there was greater improvement in blood sugar rates compared with a basic educational health program: 5.4% vs 2.0% and 0.23% vs 0.15%, respectively. Experts caution that the results are not generalizable to a wider population, however, because of missing data pertaining to socioeconomic status, race, and gender.
Beyond Insulin: The Impact of Next-Generation Diabetes Technology
April 17th 2024Experts explain how new diabetes technologies like continuous glucose monitors are transforming care beyond intensive insulin therapy, offering personalized insights and improving outcomes for patients of all treatment levels.
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Addressing Maternal Mortality in Medicaid by Focusing on Mental Health
February 15th 2023On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with Inland Empire Health Plan, a managed care plan serving more than 1.4 million residents on Medi-Cal in California, about a new maternal mental health program aimed at supporting new mothers, both before they give birth and afterward.
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The Pivotal Role of Payers in Improving Health Equity, Maternal Health Care in the US
March 26th 2024A presentation at the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health's 2024 Women’s Health Summit discussed how payers, including employers and public entities, can strategically influence health care purchasing to prioritize maternal health and equity.
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For National Women’s Health Week, One Company Emphasizes Cardiovascular Risk Management
May 10th 2022On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with Joanne Armstrong, MD, MPH, vice president and chief medical officer for Women’s Health and Genomics at CVS Health, on the distinct pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in women and how her own health experiences have influenced her perspective on cardiovascular disease management.
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