Ipsen’s Drug for Itching in Rare Liver Disease Gets Second Approval
Ipsen’s drug Bvlay has gotten its second approval for itching (pruritis) in a rare liver disease, this time in Alagille syndrome. The drug had previously been approved for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. Another indication may be on the way in the near future, as Ipsen is currently in late-stage testing for the drug in a childhood liver disorder.
US Congress Continues Push for Lower Prescription Drug Prices
Members of the US Congress aren’t slowing down in the effort towards lowering prescription drug prices, following last year’s Inflation Reduction Act that established the upcoming Medicare drug price negotiations. One bill put forward by Democrats would shorten the timeframe before a drug can be negotiated. A bipartisan effort led by Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) will propose four bills related to reducing high drug prices.
Potential Targets Emerge for Upcoming Medicare Price Negotiations
With Medicare negotiations beginning in 2026, some major sellers by Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Merck are likely early targets of the drug pricing reforms included in the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This includes diabetes drugs like Januvia by Merck and cancer drugs like Pfizer’s Ibrance and Xtandi. However, some of the most expensive drugs in the nation are off the table.
Healthcare Costs Causes Almost 40% of Americans to Make Sacrifices
A new West Health-Gallup poll taken in June shows that 38% of American adults had to make changes to their life to afford healthcare. The kinds and degree of sacrifices varied significantly amongst demographics, with impacts felt harder by lower-income Americans. One-fifth of people making less than $24,000 a year reported skipping a meal to make ends meet, versus 2 percent of those making over $180,000.
