Drug Approval Signals New Options for Stroke, Heart Attack Survivors in Europe
Heart patients in Europe have something to celebrate. This week, the European Commission approved a groundbreaking new drug, evolocumab, to prevent heart attack and stroke for patients who have already survived a cardiac event.
Where President Trump, U.S. Senators & Physicians Align
New research suggests that President Donald Trump, U.S. senators and the country’s physicians may agree on at least one thing: the federal 340B drug pricing program deserves more scrutiny. Designed to encourage care for indigent and underinsured patients, the program has ballooned into a revenue stream for growing hospital systems.
Huntington’s Disease Patients Aim for Parity
This month, patients with Huntington’s disease are asking for what worked for patients with ALS and other debilitating diseases–parity to accessing Medicare benefits. The request is a focal point for May’s Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month.
How Policymakers Can Redefine Pain Management
More than 42,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose in 2016. Meanwhile, millions of other Americans suffer from chronic pain. The situation poses a difficult question for policymakers: How do we meet the needs of pain patients without contributing to the national opioid crisis?
In Europe, Advocates Emphasize Role of Patient Voice
Patient advocacy organizations know the power of the patient voice when it comes to accessing medicine.
Clinical Trials Lack Seniors, Newborns
What do newborns and senior citizens have in common? Neither are showing up for clinical trials.
ICER’s Migraine Report Tells Familiar Story
It’s a new drug, but the same old story. The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review recently reported that preventive treatments for migraine may not, in their interpretation, be cost effective. Known as CGGRP inhibitors, the drugs offer patients and health care providers the chance to not just treat but prevent debilitating migraine headaches.
New Resources Remind Moms-to-Be of Seafood Benefits
Raw sushi is out, and fish oil supplements are questionable. But regular fish consumption as part of a healthy prenatal diet? That’s a surefire way for pregnant women to realize health benefits for themselves and their babies.
Are Americans Aware of COPD?
Many Americans felt like they knew former first lady Barbara Bush, whose death the country mourned this month. But how much do we as a nation know about the disease that killed her?
Parkinson’s Patients Face Treatment Delays
During a recent visit with one of my Parkinson’s patients, we decided he was a good candidate for deep brain stimulation. The treatment can help relieve severe tremors, stiffness and slowness, hallmarks of the disease. But when my patient’s health insurer got involved, what should have been a straightforward treatment got unnecessarily complicated.
