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What We’re Reading: Common Asthma Inhaler Discontinued; AI in Health Care; FDA Approves Omalizumab for Food Allergies
Discontinuation of asthma drug leaves patients in search of alternative; FDA’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) raises opportunities and challenges; landmark FDA approval signals hope for millions with severe food allergies.
Dispute Over Pricing and Distribution of Asthma Medication
Patients are caught in the crossfires of a dispute between a drug company and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), with no end in sight, according to The Hill. GSK discontinued making fluticasone propionate (Flovent)—the most common asthma inhaler for children—at the start of this year and instead is offering an authorized generic, which many PBMs won't cover. As pharmaceutical companies and PBMs clash over the pricing and distribution of these asthma medications, patients find themselves facing uncertainty and potential disruptions in their treatment plans.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize health care, the FDA's shifting stance on regulating AI-driven medical technologies becomes increasingly pivotal, according to Politico. Amidst the promise of improved diagnostics and treatments, concerns over safety, efficacy, and equitable access underscore the need for a balanced regulatory framework. Furthermore, stakeholders across the health care ecosystem must navigate these complexities to harness AI's full potential while ensuring patient safety and equitable health care outcomes. The FDA plans to ask Congress for new authority to regulate these technologies.
FDA Greenlights Breakthrough Treatment for Food Allergies
The FDA's recent approval of omalizumab (Xolair) for treating food allergies represents a significant advancement in addressing severe allergic reactions, according to NPR. With omalizumab previously approved for asthma and chronic hives, this expansion offers hope to millions of individuals who grapple with potentially life-threatening food allergies. As health care professionals prepare to integrate omalizumab into treatment protocols, patients and advocates anticipate a newfound sense of security and improved quality of life for those at risk of severe allergic reactions.
At EHA 2025, Hematology Discussions Will Stretch Across Lifespans and Locations
June 5th 2025The 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress, convening virtually and in Milan, Italy, from June 12 to June 15, 2025, will feature a revamped program structure for the meeting’s 30th anniversary while maintaining ample opportunities to network, debate, and absorb practice-changing findings in hematology and oncology.
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Laundromats as a New Frontier in Community Health, Medicaid Outreach
May 29th 2025Lindsey Leininger, PhD, and Allister Chang, MPA, highlight the potential of laundromats as accessible, community-based settings to support Medicaid outreach, foster trust, and connect families with essential health and social services.
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Use of Voluntary Alignment in the Next Generation ACO Model
June 5th 2025Use of voluntary alignment attribution by Next Generation Accountable Care Organization (ACO) participants was limited. The authors highlight the reasons and describe organizational use cases via a mixed-methods approach.
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