Rise and shine, another busy day is on the way. We can tell because the official mascots got an early start chasing down cats, squirrels, and other creatures darting about the Pharmalot campus. And then there is the noisy parade of vehicles passing nearby on their way to who knows what? As for us, we are firing up the trusty coffee kettle to brew another cup of stimulation. Our choice today is witch’s potion. Sounds interesting, yes? If curious, please feel free to join us. Meanwhile, the time has come to get cracking. So here is the latest laundry list of interesting items for you to peruse. We hope you have a smashing day and, of course, do keep in touch. Best of luck, everyone. …
Trump administration officials last week touted the success of their drug pricing policy, saying every U.S. state had agreed to participate in a federal initiative designed to provide lower prices to state Medicaid programs. But STAT explains that officials in several states say they are still undecided on whether to participate — even if they did technically apply — and others are still trying to determine whether the federal initiative, called the GENEROUS model, offers a better deal than what they get through existing rebates from drugmakers. The pricing details on what states would get through GENEROUS, if they do participate, are not publicly available.
Heidi Overton, the Trump administration pick to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, will appear before a Senate committee this morning at 10:30 a.m. in a highly anticipated hearing that promises to shed some light on the nominee, STAT says. During her opening statement, Overton plans to emphasize the need for speed and efficiency at the FDA to compete with China’s accelerating biotechnology industry. If confirmed, Overton, at 37, will be the youngest FDA commissioner ever. You can read more about her rise from being a young doctor in rural New Mexico to FDA commish nominee here.
