California Healthline: Prescription Drugs

House Approves Bill To Reauthorize, Modify FDA User Fee Programs

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the House passed a bill to reauthorize FDA's prescription drug and medical device user-fee programs. House and Senate leaders aim to reconcile their versions of the legislation and send a final bill to President Obama by July 4. The Hill's "Floor Action Blog" et al.

FDA Warns Physicians, Consumers About Sales of Counterfeit Adderall

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, FDA warned doctors and consumers that online counterfeiters are selling fake versions of Teva Pharmaceuticals' Adderall, which treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The agency said the fake pills are ineffective and could be harmful. Los Angeles Times et al.

Amended FDA User Fee Bill Would Cut Deficit by $370M, CBO Estimates

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that an amended House bill to reauthorize FDA's prescription drug and medical device user-fee programs would cut the federal deficit by $370 million. The House is set to vote on the bill later today. The Hill's "Healthwatch," CQ Today.

Insurers Shifting Greater Cost Share of Specialty Rx Drugs to Enrollees

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Many health insurers have shifted costly specialty drugs into new categories, requiring members to pay a larger share of their cost. Lawmakers in California and other states have introduced bills that would cap out-of-pocket expenses for such specialty drugs. Los Angeles Times.

Takeda To Close S.F. Research Site, Add 30 Jobs in La Jolla

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, Takeda Pharmaceuticals announced plans to close a research site in San Francisco and add 30 new jobs at its plant in La Jolla as part of a major restructuring project. The La Jolla research site -- which currently has 170 workers -- focuses on cancer, immunology and metabolic diseases. U-T San Diego.

Senate Approves Bill To Reauthorize, Modify FDA User-Fee Programs

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Senate approved in a 96-1 vote a bill that would reauthorize and modify FDA's prescription drug and medical device user-fee programs. The legislation also would create fees to review generic drugs and less-costly biotechnology products. New York Times et al.

Reid Calls for Lawmakers To Reach Agreement on FDA User Fee Legislation

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urged lawmakers to reach a deal on amendments to a bill to reauthorize FDA's prescription drug and medical device user fee programs. If a deal is not reached, Reid said he will move on to other legislation. The Hill's "Floor Action Blog" et al.

Opinion Piece Stumps for Bill To Boost Birth Control Access

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Sacramento Bee opinion piece by Kathy Kneer -- president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California -- and Julie Rabinovitz -- president and CEO of California Family Health Council -- argues that California lawmakers should approve a bill, by Assembly member Holly Mitchell, that would "authorize registered nurses in community clinics to dispense birth control under a standardized procedure." They conclude, "By passing this common-sense law, California will continue to be a leader in preventing unintended pregnancy and can remind the rest of the nation that the war on women stops here." Sacramento Bee.

Judges Rule Medical Pot Not Protected by Federal Act

Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that medical marijuana users cannot use a federal disability law to argue against the shuttering of medical marijuana dispensaries. Medical marijuana advocates had alleged that the cities of Costa Mesa and Lake Forest in Orange County violated the Americans With Disabilities Act by closing the dispensaries. Judge Raymond Fisher wrote, "We recognize that the federal government's views on the wisdom of restricting medical marijuana use may be evolving," but "for now Congress has determined that, for purposes of federal law, marijuana is unacceptable for medical use." Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle.

Senate Begins Debate on Measure To Reauthorize FDA User-Fee Programs

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Senate has started debating a bill to reauthorize and modify FDA's prescription drug and medical device user-fee programs. Some stakeholders discussed adding language to the bill to create a national system to track prescription drug safety. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

FDA Drug Approvals Outpace Canada, Europe, Study Finds

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Between 2001 and 2010, FDA approved more new drugs in less time than regulators in Europe and Canada, according to a study published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. The median time for FDA to review a drug was about 10-and-a-half months, which was about 45 to 70 days faster than the European Medicines Agency and Health Canada. FDA reviewed nearly 225 drug applications over the decade, 40 more than EMA and nearly 125 more than HC. AP/Sacramento Bee.

Senators Launch Probe Into Drugmakers' Ties With Painkiller Groups

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Senate Finance Committee has started investigating ties between drugmakers, advocacy groups and organizations that set painkiller prescription guidelines. Meanwhile, the American Pain Foundation said it will dissolve for financial reasons. New York Times, Washington Post.

House Subcommittee OKs Measure To Extend FDA User-Fee Programs

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, a House panel unanimously approved legislation to modify FDA's user-fee programs for drugs and medical devices and extend the programs for an extra five years. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to mark up the bill tomorrow. Politico et al.

Pelosi Slams Federal Closures of Medical Pot Dispensaries

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a statement released last week, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi criticized the Obama administration's recent closures of medical marijuana dispensaries in California and expressed support for policies to strengthen the rights of users. Pelosi said in the statement that the administration's actions "undermine a policy that has been in place under which the federal government did not pursue individuals whose actions complied with state laws." The Hill's "Healthwatch."

Bill To Extend Drug User Fees Expected To Advance Quickly

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee is expected to mark up legislation that would reauthorize and modify the Prescription Drug User Fee Act. The full committee is expected to consider the bill on Thursday. Industry sources say the committee hopes to move the bill to the floor under a suspension of rules, a sign that it could move quickly. Politico.

NIH Project Encourages Researchers To Find New Uses for Old Drugs

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

NIH has announced an initiative that seeks to find new uses for old drugs that did not adequately treat one disease but might be effective for another. For the program, drugmakers will provide about 20 compounds to biomedical researchers. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.

AARP Joins Antipsychotic-Drug Lawsuit in Ventura

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

AARP has joined a class-action lawsuit alleging that a physician at a Ventura County nursing home -- the Ventura Convalescent Hospital -- violated state law when he administered antipsychotic drugs to residents without obtaining their consent or the consent of their families. The case could involve as many as 100 plaintiffs. Ventura County Star.

IOM Calls for FDA To Scale Up Post-Approval Monitoring of Rx Drugs

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An Institute of Medicine report recommends that FDA do more to monitor the safety of prescription drugs after they are on the market. According to the report, FDA should take a "life cycle" approach by conducting safety trials both before and after a drug is approved. Reuters et al.

Senate Panel Approves Measure To Reauthorize FDA User Fee Programs

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved a bill to reauthorize user fees that drug and medical device makers pay to FDA for a quicker review of their products. A similar measure stalled in a House committee. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Lawmakers To Release Proposals To Extend FDA's User Fee Programs

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, leaders of a House health subcommittee and a Senate health committee are expected to release a series of proposals to reauthorize FDA's prescription drug and medical device user fee programs. The programs are set to expire in September. Politico et al.

Health Debt Bill Passes Committee

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Melanie Rowen, a woman with multiple sclerosis living in San Francisco, appeared before the Assembly Committee on Health yesterday to talk about money -- or rather, lack of it.

When she first found out she had multiple sclerosis, Rowen had health care insurance but her medication was still expensive. "My insurance plan required me to pay 30% of it," Rowen said. "I couldn't afford it, but I put it on credit cards." As she watched her disease progress, she saw her bank account drain away and her health care debt pile up.

Assembly member Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) hopes to prevent similar scenarios with AB 1800 which would establish a limit on annual out-of-pocket expenses for prescription medications for insured Californians.

Calif. Assembly Bill Targets 'Try and Fail' Drug Coverage

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Assembly is considering legislation that would address health insurers' use of step-therapy, in which patients are asked to try as many as five prescription painkillers before health plans agree to cover the drugs. Under the bill, insurers would be prohibited from asking patients to try more than two prescription medications before providing coverage. KQED's "The California Report."

California To Conduct Four-Year Study of HIV-Prevention Pill Truvada

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California researchers are planning a four-year study to examine if use of the HIV-prevention pill Truvada among certain residents could help slow the spread of the disease. Some experts question the pill's efficacy and say it could lead to more people not using condoms. Los Angeles Times, U-T San Diego.

Assembly Committee OKs Bill on Medical Pot Dispensaries

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, the Assembly's public safety committee voted 4-2 to pass a bill, by Assembly member Tom Ammiano, that would create statewide regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries. Lawmakers voted along party lines, with Democrats supporting the bill. The measure now goes to the Assembly appropriations committee. AP/UT-San Diego.

Supreme Court Weighs Overtime Pay for Drug Firm Representatives

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case about whether pharmaceutical representatives should receive overtime pay. If the court sides with the plaintiffs, drugmakers could be forced to pay billions in overtime to more than 90,000 representatives. Reuters et al.

CDC Report Shows Drop in Accidental Deaths Among Kids, Teenagers

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Accidental deaths among children and teenagers declined by 30% between 2000 and 2009, a CDC report finds. However, the report notes that prescription drug misuse contributed to a 91% increase in poisoning deaths among teens during that time frame. USA Today et al.

Lawmakers To Hold Slew of Hearings on Expiring Health Care Policies

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, Congress returned from recess to a series of hearings aimed at addressing expiring health care policies. Lawmakers will examine an update to prescription drug and medical device user fees, medical malpractice legislation and other issues. The Hill's "Healthwatch."

Misuse of Prescription Painkillers Becoming More Widespread Among Young Californians

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Tom Lenox of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Michael Plopper of Sharp HealthCare Behavioral Health Services, Sherrie Rubin of the not-for-profit organization HOPE and Robert Wailes of the California Medical Association's board of trustees spoke with California Healthline about prescription drug misuse.

Low Participation Hurts Efficacy of Calif. Rx Drug Monitoring Program

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Experts say that low participation in California's prescription drug monitoring program has hindered its ability to combat prescription drug misuse. Budget cuts have eliminated nearly all state funding for the program, and physicians say the system is slow and needs upgrades. New York Times.

Editorial Calls on Lawmakers To Clarify Medical Pot Laws

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Los Angeles Times editorial argues that "the vagueness of state law and conflicting judicial interpretations make it well nigh impossible for anyone in California to be in clear and unambiguous compliance" with medical marijuana regulations. The editorial calls on California lawmakers to "stop waiting" and "fill in the many blanks" in the state's medical marijuana laws. Los Angeles Times.

FDA Finds New Batch of Fake Cancer Drug Avastin in U.S.

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

FDA officials said they have discovered a new batch of a counterfeit version of the cancer drug Avastin circulating in the U.S. The newly discovered batch of the fake drug bears Roche's name and is labeled as Altuzan, the brand name of the unapproved version of Avastin sold in Turkey. FDA this week said it has confirmed that U.S. health care practices have purchased the fakes, but the agency did not identify the practices. Wall Street Journal.

U.S. Residents Cutting Back on Doctor Visits, Prescription Drugs

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report finds that U.S. residents visited the doctor less often and received fewer prescription drugs in 2011 than in 2010. According to the report, the decline in prescriptions largely was driven by decreased use among elderly residents. New York Times, New York Times' "Well."

S.F. Elected Officials Rally Behind Medical Marijuana

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

At a rally on Tuesday, several San Francisco elected officials offered support for state-sanctioned medical marijuana dispensaries. The rally -- which was held in response to a federal crackdown on California dispensaries -- came one day after federal agents raided Oaksterdam University, a marijuana cultivation school in Oakland. San Francisco Chronicle.

Calif. Biotech Lobbying Efforts Reach $40M From 2009-2011

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Between 2009 and 2011, biotech firms with operations in California spent $40 million on federal lobbying, according to a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Center for Responsive Politics. Celia Viggo Wexler, a representative of the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the report "raises concerns that with so much money and such big suites of industry lobbyists pounding the halls of Congress every day, it's easy for the public interest message and the scientific integrity message to get lost." California Watch.

Study: Higher Rx Copays Lead to Fewer Filled Prescriptions

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study from the University of Southern California suggests that families facing higher prescription drug copayments are less likely to fill prescriptions for their children, compared with families with lower copays. The study examined nearly 9,000 privately insured children with asthma. KPCC's "KPCC News."

Medco To Pay $2.7M To Settle Case Involving CalPERS Pay

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Friday, the Office of the California Attorney General Kamala Harris announced that pharmacy benefits manager Medco Health Solutions has agreed to pay $2.7 million to settle allegations that it made improper payments to a former CalPERS board member. Medco did not admit any wrongdoing under the deal. AP/U-T San Diego, Sacramento Bee.

Lawmakers Expand Probe Into 'Gray Market' Rx Practices

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, three Democratic lawmakers expanded an ongoing investigation into pharmacies that allegedly charge significantly higher prices for prescription drugs in short supply when selling them to drug distribution companies, a practice known as "gray market" tactics. The lawmakers sent letters asking various pharmacies and distributors to provide information about their sales and distribution practices. Wall Street Journal et al.

L.A. Medical Pot Dispensary Workers Join Labor Union

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, workers at several medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles unionized in part to contest a proposed citywide ban on the facilities. The workers joined with the United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 770, whose president vowed to use the "full force" of its 35,000 members to keep the dispensaries open. Los Angeles Times.

Residents Say Calif. Should Tax, Regulate Medical Pot

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Fifty-five percent of respondents to a recent Sacramento Business Journal survey said California should address conflicting local, state and federal laws on medical marijuana by regulating and taxing the substance. According to the survey, 33% of the 461 respondents said they support a statewide ban of medical marijuana, while 9% said municipalities should be authorized to regulate the substance themselves. Sacramento Business Journal.

FDA To Consider Digital Tools for Patient Self-Screening

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

FDA recently announced that it will hold public hearings in Washington, D.C., on Thursday and Friday about whether consumers should be able to use online questionnaires, patient kiosks or other technologies to conduct self-screenings and obtain certain medications. The agency will consider ending prescription requirements for drugs commonly used for various conditions, such as asthma and diabetes. KPCC's "KPCC News."

Telepharmacy Startup Gets Investment From CHCF

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California HealthCare Foundation has invested in Pipeline Healthcare Solutions, a telepharmacy startup firm. CHCF's investment aims to help bring the benefits of telepharmacy to rural and safety-net hospitals in the state. InformationWeek.

Bono Mack Promoting Efforts To Curb Rx Painkiller Misuse

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

U.S Rep. Mary Bono Mack, a vocal proponent of legislation to regulate and curb the misuse of prescription pain medications, says that laws are needed to stop what she considers to be an "epidemic" of painkiller misuse among teenagers. Bono Mack has introduced a bill that aims to train physicians about strong pain medications and curb their misuse. KPCC's "KPCC News."

Merck Pledges $90M for San Diego Drug Research Center

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, New Jersey-based drugmaker Merck announced that it will invest up to $90 million over seven years to establish The California Institute for Biomedical Research in La Jolla. The not-for-profit center, which will focus on research into new drugs and treatments, is expected to hire as many as 150 scientists and staff members. Merck would have priority to license any research results. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.

Alameda County Delays Vote on Rx Drug 'Take Back' Plan

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors decided to delay a vote on an ordinance that would have made the county the first local government to require drugmakers to take back unused products. The move comes after a week of heavy lobbying by pharmaceutical companies that argued that the ordinance was unnecessary and would be a significant burden. Oakland Tribune.

Former S.D. Pharmacy Owners To Pay $1.2M

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, the U.S. attorney's office in San Diego announced that the previous owners of three area pharmacies have agreed to pay more than $1.2 million for failing to account for tens of thousands of addictive prescription pain medications. Under the settlement, the former owners also will sell their interests in the Galloway, Park Boulevard and White Cross pharmacies. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.

Calif. High Court To Review 'Pay-for-Delay' Rx Drug Deals

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California is poised to become the first state to examine the legality of drugmakers paying competitors to delay production of low-cost generic versions of prescription drugs. Last month, the California Supreme Court agreed to review a 10-year-old class-action lawsuit involving Bayer, which paid Barr Pharmaceuticals to delay introduction of a generic version of the antibiotic Cipro. California Watch.

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit by Medical Marijuana Advocates

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, a federal judge dismissed one of five lawsuits filed last year by medical marijuana advocates to block federal prosecutors and California officials from shutting down dispensaries across the state. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the El Camino Wellness Center and a Sacramento patient. Sacramento Bee.

Alameda County Gives Initial OK to Rx Drug 'Take Back' Plan

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to grant preliminary approval to a proposal that would make pharmaceutical drugmakers responsible for the proper disposal of unused and expired medications. If the board grants final approval to the plan during a March 13 vote, the county would be the first in the nation to implement a pharmaceutical "take-back disposal" program. San Jose Mercury News.

Bill Seeks To End Extra Medical Product Inspections

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Earlier this month, Rep. Brian Bilbray introduced legislation that would eliminate state-level inspections of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices that already have been reviewed by federal regulators. According to Bilbray's office, California is the only state that requires a state-level screening, by the California Food and Drug Branch, regardless of prior review. The bill also has support from Rep. Susan Davis and five Republicans. CMIO.

State Forgoes Giving Medi-Cal Patients Drug Dispensers

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Department of Health Care Services has abandoned a pilot project that would have installed automatic medication dispensers in the homes of Medi-Cal beneficiaries following recent DHCS findings that the initiative would not generate its projected $140 million in annual savings. CHCF Center for Health Reporting.

FDA Announces Effort To Address Shortages of Two Cancer Treatments

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

FDA plans to temporarily allow the importation of alternatives for two cancer drugs that have been in short supply since November. The agency also released guidance on notifications that drugmakers must provide when they foresee drug supply issues. New York Times et al.

FDA Announces Probe of Fake Avastin Sold to Calif. Physicians

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

FDA has announced that it is investigating vials of fake Avastin, an intravenous drug used to treat cancer. The agency has sent letters notifying 16 California health providers that they may have been sold the counterfeit drug. AP/Contra Costa Times et al.

Federal Officials Wary of Budget Cuts to Calif. Rx Drug Monitoring System

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Federal officials are worried about the future of California's prescription drug monitoring system. Because of budget cuts to the state Department of Justice, the system now relies on annual grants and staff has been reduced to one individual. KQED's "The California Report."

Infant Withdrawal Syndrome Up 200% Over Last Decade

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The number of infants in the greater Sacramento region born with neonatal withdrawal syndrome doubled between 2000 and 2010, according to a recent Sacramento Bee analysis of data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. Medical experts say the jump likely is tied to an increase in mothers misusing prescription pain medications. Sacramento Bee.

Judge: S.D. Can Deny Licenses to Medical Pot Distributors

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, a California Superior Court judge ruled that San Diego officials can deny business licenses to medical marijuana distributors. The ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed by Wisdom Organics after the city treasurer refused its application for a business tax certificate. U-T San Diego.

Medical Marijuana Advocates Push for Ballot Initiative

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, a coalition of medical marijuana advocates hopes to begin a drive to gather about 500,000 signatures required for placing a proposal on the November ballot that would establish a state-administrated enforcement bureau to oversee entities that grow, distribute and test medical marijuana products. The initiative must be reviewed and approved by the state attorney general and secretary of state before the group can collect signatures. Sacramento Bee.

Reform Law Reduced Medicare Enrollees' Rx Costs by $2.1B in 2011

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Obama administration announced that the health reform law reduced prescription drug costs by $2.1 billion for the 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries who were in the "doughnut hole" in 2011, amounting to about $604 in savings per beneficiary. Los Angeles Times et al.

Lawmakers Considering Renewal of User Fees for FDA Approval Processes

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In today's hearing of a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, health industry experts are expected to seek renewal of FDA's authority to collect user fees from drugmakers and medical device companies for agency approval processes. CQ Today et al.

San Bernardino County Joins Drug Discount Card Program

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted to join the Coast2Coast Rx discount prescription drug card program. According to officials, the program -- which covers more than 60,000 medications -- helped users in 2010 save an average of 45% on prescriptions. The card also offers savings of up to 50% on dental, vision, hearing and diabetes supplies, and up to 80% on lab and imaging tests. Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Calif. High Court To Review Local Medical Pot Bans

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, the California Supreme Court agreed to review four lawsuits related to medical marijuana dispensaries and questions about local control. In one case, a lower state court ruled that Riverside had the right to ban dispensaries. The decision has been used by local governments throughout the state to shut down medical marijuana clinics in their areas. Riverside Press-Enterprise.

S.D. Supplement Firm Suing Walgreens for Coupon Fraud

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a federal lawsuit filed Nov. 18, 2011, Imagenetix, a San Diego-based nutritional supplement company, accused Walgreens of coupon fraud. According to the lawsuit, Walgreens billed the company for $533,000 "for coupons purportedly redeemed" by consumers for discounts on a new health-joints supplement product, as well as $188,000 for scanning fees. However, the stacks of coupons submitted by Walgreens for reimbursement had no marks or creases. The lawsuit is seeking class-action status and damages that could exceed $5 million. U-T San Diego.

Fresno County Projects Address Teen Drug Abuse

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Teenage prescription drug abuse, considered a serious problem statewide, is the focus of Fresno County projects aimed at helping parents lock up, clean out and safely drop off unused narcotics.

CVS To Pay $5M To Settle Allegations of Deceptive Drug Prices

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CVS Caremark has agreed to pay $5 million to customers of CVS and Walgreen pharmacies to settle an investigation of charges that it misrepresented the price of certain Medicare prescription drugs. CVS will send checks to affected beneficiaries. Wall Street Journal et al.

Health Net To Sell Medicare Rx Business to CVS for $160M

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, Woodland Hills-based Health Net announced plans to sell its Medicare Part D prescription drug plan business to CVS Caremark for $160 million. Health Net said it expects to net $140 million cash from the sale of its PDP business, which has about 400,000 customers in 49 states and the District of Columbia, and generates about $490 million in annual revenue. The acquisition, which requires CMS approval, is expected to close in the second quarter of this year. Los Angeles Business Journal, Dow Jones/Wall Street Journal.

FDA Warns of Possible Painkiller Shortage After Issues at Novartis Plant

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, FDA officials warned about possible shortages of several painkillers made by Endo Pharmaceuticals because of manufacturing issues at a Novartis facility that produced the drugs. Endo said it expects "minimal" disruption in supply. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.

Bayer Eyes S.F. Lab Space for Startup Life Science Firms

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, Bayer HealthCare announced plans to create a 6,000 square-foot shared lab, called CoLaborator, to house startup life science companies that have technology platforms, drug targets or drug candidates that align with Bayer's portfolio. The move comes one year after the drug developer launched its Innovation Center in San Francisco's Mission Bay area. The new CoLaborator will launch in the summer in Mission Bay and is expected to house three to four small companies. San Francisco Business Times, Healthcare IT News.

USC Study Looks at Doctors' Drug Prescribing Practices

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report by University of Southern California researchers found that while physicians might favor certain medications and prescribe them more often, they are not averse to trying new therapies. The report, which was published in the American Journal of Managed Care, also found that prescribing fewer drugs has "modest effects" on patient adherence and out-of-pocket costs. For the study, researchers analyzed medical and pharmaceutical claims data from 2005 to 2007 from 29 large employers for information about the 10 most prescribed therapeutic classes of medications. Modern Physician.

Study: Affordable Rx Drugs Remain Issue for Americans

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The percentage of U.S. residents who faced problems affording prescription drugs stayed level between 2007 and 2010, according to a new study from the Center for Studying Health System Change. The study found that more than one in eight U.S. residents went without a prescribed medication last year. According to the study, about 48% of the uninsured residents in fair or poor health had unmet prescription needs because of cost issues, which was nearly twice as high the rate of insured individuals with similar health statuses. Modern Healthcare.

FDA Issues Interim Final Rule To Avert Drug Shortages

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, FDA issued an interim final rule requiring drug companies that are the sole manufacturers of certain critical medicines to report a potential shortage to federal officials. Previously, companies were required only to report permanent disruptions to drug supplies. However, the new rule states that "[s]ubsequent experience has showed that even temporary discontinuance of manufacturing can have a significant impact on patient access to drug products." Modern Healthcare et al.

CVS Caremark To Pay State $7M To Settle Pension Fraud Claims

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

CVS Caremark will pay nearly $20 million to settle three lawsuits alleging that the company defrauded pension systems in California, Florida and Illinois. CalPERS will receive about $7 million. Los Angeles Times' "Money & Company," Sacramento Bee.

Thousands of Rx Drug Files Missing at Vallejo Pharmacy

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, Vallejo Rite Aid officials announced that prescription drug files on about 3,000 customers have been missing since August. At the end of August, employees at the newly renovated Rite Aid on Solano Avenue realized that several boxes containing prescription records were missing. Spokesperson Ashley Flower said that the company has electronic copies of the files and that the missing files do not contain any credit card or Social Security numbers. Rite Aid retained a risk consulting firm to notify affected customers. Vallejo Times-Herald.

Federal Gov't Backs Generic Drugmaker in Court Case

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In a brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, the federal government said that generic drugmakers should be allowed to file legal "counterclaims" against brand-name drugmakers' patent protections so that it is easier for them to introduce low-cost versions of medications when the patents have expired. The government's brief was submitted for oral arguments in a case filed by Caraco Pharmaceuticals, the generic unit of Sun Pharmaceuticals, against Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk. Caraco argues that the patent description of Novo's diabetes drug Prandin is too broad and prevents any generic version from being introduced into the market. In its brief, the government noted that FDA uses narrowed patent descriptions to grant approval to generic versions of medications that save consumers billions of dollars annually. Reuters.

Senators Hear Testimony on Proposed Merger of Medco, Express Scripts

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, members of a Senate subcommittee expressed reservations about a proposed merger of pharmacy benefit managers Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions. The senators heard testimony from representatives of pharmacies and the two companies. Modern Healthcare et al.

Pharmacists Expressing Concern With Medi-Cal Reimbursement Cuts

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

California pharmacists are raising concern that their profit margins could be negatively affected by the recently approved 10% cut to Medi-Cal payments. Pharmacists could have to pay funds back to the state because the cuts are retroactive to June 1. Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Lawmakers Seek Information on Generic Version of Lipitor

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, Sens. Max Baucus, Chuck Grassley and Herb Kohl sent a letter to drugmaker Pfizer, three pharmacy benefit managers and two health insurers asking them to reveal details about their agreements to block generic versions of the anti-cholesterol drug Lipitor and promote only Pfizer's brand-name version. The inquiry coincides with the expiration of the patent for Lipitor, which generated about 16% of Pfizer's revenue in 2010. Meanwhile, FDA granted approval to Indian drugmaker Ranbaxy Laboratories to begin marketing a generic version of Lipitor. New York Times et al.

Subcommittee Considers Tactics for Addressing National Drug Shortage

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

During a hearing yesterday, a House panel heard testimony from several experts on the possible causes of the nation's shortage of lifesaving drugs. Experts also recommended certain policies and legislative changes that could help address such drug shortages. Modern Healthcare et al.

High Court To Hear Case on Overtime Pay for Drug Reps

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case to determine whether pharmaceutical sales representatives are entitled to overtime pay. The high court will review a decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which in February ruled against two former GlaxoSmithKline employees who brought a class-action lawsuit against the drugmaker. The Department of Labor has sided with the former employees, while the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America said that making sales representatives eligible for overtime pay could cost drugmakers billions of dollars and force them to restructure representatives' jobs. The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in the case in spring 2012 and reach a decision by the end of June. AP/Washington Post et al.

Medicare 'Doughnut Hole' To Shrink by 40%, CMS Reports

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The coverage gap in Medicare Part D will shrink by about 40% for beneficiaries who land in the "doughnut hole" this year because of provisions in the federal health reform law, according to data provided by CMS' Office of the Actuary. Without provisions in the federal health reform law, the average beneficiary who reached the coverage gap would have spent $1,504 this year on prescription drugs. However, provisions in the overhaul reduced that figure to $901. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.

Four Medications Cause Most Hospitalizations in Elderly

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

About two-thirds of emergency hospitalizations among elderly U.S. residents can be attributed to four commonly prescribed medications, according to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. For the study, CDC researchers analyzed data from 2007 to 2009 for 58 hospitals participating in an adverse drug-event surveillance project. The most frequently cited drugs in the study were warfarin, which accounted for 33% of hospitalizations; insulin, which accounted for 14% of cases; antiplatelet drugs -- such as aspirin and Plavix -- which were implicated in 13% of hospitalizations; and oral diabetes medications, which were involved in 11% of cases. Modern Healthcare et al.

San Diego County Discount Rx Program Generating Savings

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

More than 7,300 San Diego County residents have signed up for the Coast2Coast Rx program, which offers savings on prescription medications, lab and imaging tests, and dental, hearing and vision services. The program has provided more than $911,000 in discounts since the county enrolled in the program less than six months ago. Officials say the county has the capacity to expand the program, which is geared toward elderly and uninsured residents. San Diego Union-Tribune.

Proposed Ballot Measures Touch on Health Care-Related Issues

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Two proposed initiatives for the November 2012 ballot are designed to set a hospital charity care rule and cut hospital charges, while another measure calls for a tax to support a prescription drug monitoring system. Sacramento Business Journal et al.

FDA Withdraws Approval of Avastin for Breast Cancer

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Friday, FDA announced that is revoking the accelerated approval of Genentech's Avastin for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In a 69-page decision, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said clinical trials showed that the drug was ineffective in extending patients' lives and exposed patients to several harmful side effects. Avastin will remain on the market for the treatment of certain types of colon, lung and kidney cancer, so physicians could prescribe it off-label for breast cancer. However, some insurers might stop covering the medication, which costs about $88,000 annually. Federal officials said Medicare will continue to cover use of the drug to treat breast cancer but plans to "monitor the issue and evaluate coverage options." New York Times, Washington Post.

Study: Medicare Part D Copays To Rise Up to 40%

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Copayments for preferred brand-name drugs under Medicare's prescription drug plans are expected to increase by an average of 40% in 2012, while copays for non-preferred brand-name medications likely will increase by an average of 30%, according to a new Avalere Health study. Avalere noted that the study highlights how Medicare has started to shift costs to patients with chronic conditions who require more costly types of medications, while encouraging beneficiaries to select less costly generics to manage their conditions. Medicare officials challenged the findings of the study, noting that it is based on broad averages of the prices in the drug plans. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.

Calif. Court Rules in Favor of City, County Medical Pot Bans

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, a three-judge panel in the 4th District Court of Appeals in California upheld a Riverside city ban on medical marijuana dispensaries, ruling that state law allows cities and counties to enact such bans. The Inland Empire Patient's Health and Wellness Center filed a lawsuit against Riverside after city officials banned the sale of medical marijuana in 2009. A Superior Court ruled in favor of the city, but the center's medical pot dispensary remained open while the case was being appealed. An attorney for the center said it plans to appeal the latest ruling to the state Supreme Court. San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.

Budget Cuts Prompt Calif. To End Rx Monitoring Database

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

California is dismantling its prescription drug monitoring system in the wake of $70 million in budget cuts to the state Department of Justice for the current and next fiscal year. The Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System, or CURES, allows physicians and law enforcement officials to identify individuals who might be misusing prescription drugs, such as Vicodin and OxyContin. A recent White House report touted state-based prescription drug monitoring systems as a way to address the growing problem of prescription drug misuse. California Watch.

Lawsuit Claims Pact by Pfizer Sought To Snuff Out Market Competition

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Eleven California pharmacies have filed a lawsuit alleging that drugmakers Pfizer and Ranbaxy made a deal in which Ranbaxy agreed to market a generic version of a cholesterol drug only in foreign markets so Pfizer could control U.S. sales. Bloomberg, San Francisco Chronicle.

FDA Reports Near-Record Number of Rx Drug Approvals

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In a report released Thursday, FDA said it approved 35 drugs in the previous year, the second-highest number in the past decade. According to the report, 24 of those drugs were made available to U.S. consumers before they became available in other countries. The agency has faced criticism from some drugmakers that say FDA's slow review process stifles innovation and drives companies to Europe, while some consumer advocates say the agency sacrifices safety for speed. FDA officials say the data highlight the need for legislation to continue financing the approval process with user fees. New York Times et al.

Lawmaker Ramps Up Investigation of Gray Market Rx Distributors

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Rep. Elijah Cummings is following up on an investigation into suspected gray market distributors, which sell scarce medications at high prices. As part of the investigation, Cummings renewed his request for information from Superior Medical Supply. CQ Today et al.

CDC Report Shows High Rate of Fatal Painkiller Overdoses

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In CDC's latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report, researchers reported that the number of deaths in the U.S. annually as a result of prescription pain reliever overdoses exceeds the number of deaths involving heroin and cocaine combined. In 2008, opioid painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone accounted for 14,800 deaths, up from about 4,000 deaths in 1999. Sales of the drugs also jumped four times over the same period. In 2010, nearly 12 million U.S. residents ages 12 and older said they used painkillers for nonmedical purposes, researchers found. They also noted that misuse of opioid painkillers costs health insurers $72.5 billion annually. CDC officials blamed the increase in death rates and misuse on improper prescribing methods, such as pill mills and doctor shopping, and they suggested that increased monitoring and enforcement at the state and local levels are necessary to reverse the trend. Los Angeles Times' "Booster Shots" et al.

Unnecessary Treatments, Tests Cost $6.8B in 2009

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In 2009, unnecessary treatments and screenings resulted in about $6.8 billion in medical costs, according to a study published recently in the Archives of Internal Medicine. For the study, physicians at Mount Sinai Medical Center and the Weill Cornell Medical College examined the cost of common medical practices that a previous study by the Good Stewardship Working Group found were overused. The new study found that complete blood cell counts were ordered in about 56% of routine physical exams, which accounted for about $32.7 million in unnecessary costs. Physicians ordering brand-name statins before using generic drugs accounted about $5.8 billion in unnecessary costs. The researchers cited physician training, defensive medicine and patient expectations as reasons for inappropriate treatments and testing. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.

Opinion: CMA's Stance on Marijuana Is Patient-Focused

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The California Medical Association's recent adoption of official policy calling for the legalization of marijuana use "was a purely medical decision," CMA President-elect Paul Phinney and CMA Speaker of the House Luther Cobb write in a Sacramento Bee opinion piece. According to Phinney and Cobb, CMA's members share a belief that "the present system of medical cannabis is flawed, contradictory and dangerously detached from scientific evidence." They add that a "new approach to legalization, regulation, research and enforcement is needed to protect physicians and patients alike." They conclude, "The bottom line is that patient safety and good public health are the ultimate goals," but "[n]ot until we've gathered sound scientific evidence, and created a robust regulatory structure for medical cannabis, can we achieve those goals." Sacramento Bee.

More Elderly Residents Seeking Medication Advice at No-Cost Events

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A growing number of California's elderly residents are attending no-cost "Meet the Pharmacist" consultation clinics to receive drug and health advice. Organizers say the demand for the meetings has increased in recent years because of budget cuts and the economic downturn. HealthyCal.

Medical Marijuana Advocates Sue Obama Administration

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, the medical marijuana advocacy group Americans for Safe Access filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. attorney general and a federal attorney for California. The lawsuit claims that the Obama administration's recent crackdown on the state's medical marijuana dispensaries subverts state and local medical marijuana statutes. Joe Elford, the group's attorney, said that the lawsuit aims to restore the sovereign right of the state to set its own public health policies. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for lawyers who represent dozens of medical marijuana dispensaries said that group also is preparing a lawsuit. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.

Federal Officials Charge 17 in Prescription Drug Fraud Ring

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, federal authorities charged 17 individuals for allegedly submitting false prescription drug claims to Medicare and Medi-Cal that caused the government to pay several times for the same medications. According to the complaint, members of the drug fraud ring unlawfully obtained expensive antipsychotic medications -- such as Abilify, Seroquel and Zyprexa -- from San Gabriel Valley pharmacies and then funneled the drugs back to the pharmacies, which would repackage and dispense the drugs again. Authorities said more than $18 million in bills were sent to the federal government and that about $7.3 million was paid out. Los Angeles Times, AP/Miami Herald.

Medical Marijuana Advocates Announce 2012 Ballot Plan

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, California advocates for medical marijuana announced that they have started developing a 2012 ballot initiative that would establish statewide oversight of the sector. The effort is being led by key proponents of Proposition 19, the unsuccessful 2010 ballot measure that sought to legalize marijuana for recreational use. The advocates said that their new ballot measure likely will mirror an initiative in Colorado that proposed state inspections and licensing of medical marijuana growers and dispensaries. Sacramento Bee.

AstraZeneca Donates $8K to Brown's Re-Election Campaign

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca made an $8,000 contribution to Gov. Brown's re-election campaign two days after he signed a bill to allow children ages 12 and older to obtain preventive treatment for sexually transmitted infections, including the vaccine against human papillomavirus, without parental consent. AstraZeneca has a financial interest in HPV vaccines, but the pharmaceutical firm maintains that the donation was unrelated to Brown's action on AB 499. Meanwhile, Brown's office said the contribution was unsolicited. Sacramento Bee.

U.S. Senate Blocks Measure To Import Canadian Drugs

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, the Senate voted 45-55 to reject a provision that would have allowed U.S. residents to import certain prescription drugs from Canada. Under the measure, U.S. residents could order FDA-approved prescription drugs from Canada by mail or Internet, or could import the medications to the U.S. in person. The measure would not have applied to biologics or controlled substances. Sen. David Vitter -- who proposed the provision as an amendment to a Senate appropriations bill -- said it would have given individuals a less costly option to purchase prescription drugs. Modern Healthcare et al.

Use of Antipsychotic Drugs in Nursing Homes Spurs Debate

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Ventura County stakeholders are debating the safety and efficacy of the use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes. Many patient advocates oppose the practice, citing an FDA black-box warning that antipsychotic drugs can cause severe side effects and nearly double the risk of death in patients with dementia. Meanwhile, county physicians and nursing home officials say that they dispense the drugs sparingly based on careful consideration of the risks and benefits to patients but note that sometimes the medications are necessary. Ventura County Star.

CDC: Antidepressant Use Up by 400% From 2005 to 2008

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A CDC study released Wednesday showed that about one in 25 U.S. children ages 12 to 17 and one in 10 U.S. adults are taking antidepressants. The study was based on surveys and depression screenings of more than 12,000 U.S. adolescents and adults from 2005 to 2008. According to CDC, antidepressant use increased by nearly 400% during that period. The study found that antidepressants were the third most common drug used by people of all ages and the most common among individuals ages 18 to 44. Despite the high number of U.S. residents taking antidepressants, researchers noted that just one-third of survey respondents with symptoms of depression were taking medication, indicating that many people who are seriously ill are not receiving treatment. AP/Washington Post, Reuters.

Calif. AG Calls for Restraint in Medical Pot Crackdown

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In a statement issued Thursday, California Attorney General Kamala Harris urged federal prosecutors to ensure that their efforts to crack down on state marijuana dispensaries do not "make it more difficult for legitimate patients to access physician-recommended medicine in California." Two weeks ago, four U.S. attorneys sent letters to landlords and owners of more medical marijuana dispensaries in the state, noting that even though medical marijuana is legal under a 1996 state law, the dispensaries are in violation of federal drug laws. Harris acknowledged ambiguities in the state's medical marijuana law but said they must be resolved by the state Legislature or the courts. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.