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What We’re Reading: J&J Loses Appeal; Opioid Settlement in the Works; Diabetes Prevention Results Released
A decision was upheld that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) must pay a $2.1-billion fine from a 2018 court decision; 3 major drug distributors face up to $18 billion in opioid-related fines; a new diabetes prevention platform may assist in symptom prevention.
J&J Baby Powder Lawsuit Decision Upheld
Missouri’s Supreme Court has upheld a lower court decision from 2018 that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) must pay $2.1 billion in damages related to a talc-based powder lawsuit, reports Bloomberg. The amount was awarded after a St Louis jury determined that the powder, which was shown to be laced with asbestos, was a principal culprit in 20 ovarian cancers. Close to 20,000 lawsuits are still pending related to instances of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, the latter of which specifically results from inhaled asbestos fibers. Talc-based baby powder was removed from US and Canadian shelves in October after the pharmaceutical giant agreed to stop selling them in May.
McKesson Corp, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health on Hook for Billions
The 3 major drug distributors, says Reuters, proposed a settlement of $18 billion for 3200 lawsuits related to the ongoing opioid crisis. Although this amount was negotiated with 4 state attorneys general—J&J is also a party to the lawsuits and will contribute an additional $5 billion—talks are ongoing, with local governments “desperately in need of relief,” but several states still resistant to the proposal. McKesson’s portion of $8 billion would be paid out over 18 years.
Omada Health Releases Data on Novel Diabetes Prevention Program
The digital health company’s research results, according to Stat News, show the possibility of a new inroad into diabetes symptom prevention when a virtual platform is combined with in-person treatment. Findings from a randomized controlled trial of close to 600 patients with prediabetes show more weight was lost and there was greater improvement in blood sugar rates compared with a basic educational health program: 5.4% vs 2.0% and 0.23% vs 0.15%, respectively. Experts caution that the results are not generalizable to a wider population, however, because of missing data pertaining to socioeconomic status, race, and gender.
Advancing Women's Health: CVS Health Leader on Access, Technology, and Breaking Stigmas
December 5th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with CVS Health's vice president and chief medical officer for women's health and genomics about advancements and challenges in women's health, focusing on care access, technology, and maternal outcomes.
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New Research Links Gender, Racial Microaggressions to Higher Postpartum Blood Pressure
January 9th 2025Acts of discrimination, including subtle microaggressions, during pregnancy and childbirth contribute to higher maternal mortality rates, especially among Black women, and are linked to increased postpartum blood pressure, highlighting the need for improved health care interventions and racial equity in maternity care.
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Exploring Pharmaceutical Innovations, Trust, and Access With CVS Health's CMO
July 11th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the chief medical officer of CVS Health about recent pharmaceutical innovations, patient-provider relationships, and strategies to reduce drug costs.
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