National Cancer Institute Director Ned Sharpless, MD, will replace Scott Gottlieb, MD, as acting FDA commissioner; the FDA has approved a generic valsartan amidst more recalls; and UnitedHealthcare will require employer clients to pass rebates directly to patients.
As the FDA prepares for the departure of Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, the agency has named National Cancer Institute (NCI) Director Ned Sharpless, MD, as acting commissioner. Sharpless is also said to be in the running for the role of the permanent commissioner, as is Brett P. Giroir, MD, assistant secretary for health at HHS, reported The Wall Street Journal. Douglas Lowry, MD, NCI’s deputy director, will be replacing Sharpless as acting director of the cancer institute.
Amidst more recalls for the blood pressure drug, the FDA has approved a new generic of valsartan (Diovan). According to the agency, it prioritized the review to help relieve shortages caused by the multiple recalls. The agency said it will continue to prioritize the review of angiotensin II receptor blocker applications to help mitigate the shortage. The new generic comes from Alkem Laboratories Limited.
UnitedHealthcare said Tuesday that it will expand its drug rebate program that passes rebates from drug makers directly to patients. The insurer said the plan would take effect next year and would be required for all new employer clients, according to The New York Times. Existing clients would be allowed to continue under the current system, but they would be encouraged to participate in the new model when their contracts expire.
New Insights on Breast Cancer Outcomes Among Sexual, Gender Minorities
December 7th 2023Despite there being a great demand for data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity in the cancer space, individuals who identify as a sexual and gender minority remain poorly represented.
Read More
Gestational Diabetes Is a Key Population Health Opportunity
December 7th 2023Diagnosing and treating gestational diabetes can have long-term positive effects on the health of the mother and the baby, warranting a distinct focus on the condition, according to an Institute for Value-Based Medicine® event held in Cleveland, Ohio.
Read More
Refining Precision Prevention for Benign Breast Disease
December 7th 2023Many questions remain surrounding accurately classifying the risk of developing invasive breast cancer associated with the benign breast disease diagnoses of nonproliferative lesions and proliferative changes without atypia.
Read More
Exagamglogene Autotemcel Meets End Points in Severe Sickle Cell Disease, β-Thalassemia
December 7th 2023Two posters set to be presented at the 65th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition met their primary and secondary end points regarding exagamglogene autotemcel therapy for sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia.
Read More