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How pharmacy schools can better represent minority ethnic students

In a report published by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) last year, disparities in performance were observed between students of different ethnicities sitting the preregistration exam. Alarmingly, students of black African ethnicity continued to have the lowest pass rates compared with other ethnicities. This may not come as a surprise to some because ethnic disparities continue to be a prevalent societal problem yet to be fully addressed. Although there are no clear-cut solutions to issues faced by black students, this blog will attempt to highlight ways in which schools of pharmacy can become part of the solution and better represent black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups.

Spotlight

MedinCell

MedinCell is a pharmaceutical company at commercial stage. We develop a portfolio of long-acting injectables in various therapeutic areas. Our proprietary technology BEPO® aims to ensure patient compliance, improve the effectiveness and accessibility of treatments, and reduce their environmental footprint.

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Pharma Tech

How long will the world wait for the next pandemic of antimicrobial resistance before we act?

Article | July 12, 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become an increasingly serious global health problem in recent years. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 700,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant infections, and the number is expected to increase in the coming years. How does antimicrobial resistance emerge? Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. It makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease, severe illness, and death. When we use antibiotics, some bacteria die, but resistant bacteria can survive and even multiply. The overuse of antibiotics and substandard antibiotics make resistant bacteria more common. So, the more we use antibiotics, the more chances bacteria have to become resistant to them. The rise in AMR is caused by multiple factors including the misuse and overuse of antibiotics by humans as well as in livestock and agriculture. Although these are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens, the emergence of substandard and falsified antibiotics is another lesser-known, huge contributory factor. Even though AMR is a leading cause of death around the world, it is tracked most closely in clinical high-income settings and developed countries. Unfortunately, this is not the case in low and middle-income countries, where the highest burden is in low-resource settings and low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). These countries are disproportionately affected, in part due to the high burden of communicable diseases. Consequences to human health of AMR AMR poses significant risks to human health, resulting in prolonged and more severe infections, extended hospitalizations, and increased healthcare expenses. It can also lead to an increased risk of death, as an infection may become untreatable. Additionally, it can reduce the effectiveness of medicines and treatments, making it more difficult to manage existing medical conditions. It is even more concerning that it can lead to the emergence of new, more dangerous strains of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. This would mean medical procedures, such as surgery, including caesarean sections or hip replacements, cancer chemotherapy, and organ transplantation, will become riskier. Counterfeit medicines and antibiotics: Antibiotics are the most counterfeited medicines in the world, as they account for 28% of global counterfeit medicines. Substandard and falsified antibiotics are medicines that do not meet the quality standards set by regulatory authorities. Counterfeit antibiotics are estimated at 5% of the global antibiotic market. These medicines are often of inferior quality or contain incorrect ingredients or incorrect amounts of active ingredients. They may also contain toxic contaminants or be expired, posing serious consequences for patients. Sadly, counterfeit antibiotics are mostly found in LMICs due to a lack of regulation and enforcement, as well as a lack of access to quality healthcare. In many of these countries, the demand for antibiotics is higher than the supply, and counterfeit antibiotics are seen as a cheaper and more accessible alternative. Furthermore, there is a lack of awareness around the dangers of taking counterfeit antibiotics, and there is a lack of resources for health authorities to test for the authenticity of these medicines. Why are antibiotics so rife for counterfeit drugs? Counterfeiters of pharmaceuticals succeed in large part by exploiting weaknesses in supply chains, which are often fragmented with poor regulatory frameworks. Antibiotics are often counterfeited because they are in high demand and can be sold for a large profit. To combat the problem of substandard and falsified antibiotics, governments must take a multi-pronged approach. This should encompass enacting laws and regulations to ensure the quality and safety of medicines, conducting surveillance for detecting and removing substandard and falsified products from the market, as well as providing training and education to healthcare professionals and patients regarding the responsible use of antibiotics. In addition, governments must work to strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain. This includes increasing the transparency of the supply chain, improving the quality control systems, and introducing traceability systems to track the movement of medicines from the manufacturer to the patient. Medical investment in low and middle-income countries Another neglected aspect by international NGOs and governments is investment in building local laboratory capacity in LMICs to combat antimicrobial resistance. Localized laboratory facilities can help identify, track, and prevent the spread of antimicrobial-resistant infections, as well as provide early warnings of emerging drug-resistant strains. Localized microbiology, surveillance, and quality control laboratories can also play an important role in developing new treatments and interventions for combating antimicrobial resistance. In addition, having localized laboratory capacity can provide more accurate standardized data on the prevalence of drug-resistant infections, which can help inform policy decisions and public health interventions. Affordable medicines Finally, governments must work to increase access to high-quality, affordable medicines. This includes improving the availability of generic medicines, which are typically cheaper alternatives to brand-name drugs. They also need to increase access to newer, more effective antibiotics.

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Pharma Tech

Tips for Managing Chronic Pain Beyond Prescription Painkillers

Article | October 6, 2022

Painkillers like Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin, have been prescribed by primary physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other healthcare providers to patients suffering from varying levels of pain. Though these medications have proven to be an effective source of pain relief, they have also proven to be highly addictive. In fact, it has even been reported that there are more cases of a drug overdose and deaths from prescription painkillers than heroin or cocaine. While there are a number of factors that play into this opioid epidemic, educating doctors and patients on alternative solutions to managing chronic pain is a great place to start combatting this nationwide crisis.

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PHARMACY MARKET

What are the advantages of PCD Pharma Company?

Article | October 10, 2023

PCD Pharma stands for propaganda distribution. A PCD company gives brand name and support to its franchises. They also provide distribution rights and monopoly rights within a particular region. If a person wants to establish their business, it is a must for them to know the pros and cons of the business to make a sound decision. Needless to mention that PCD company has a lot to contribute in the medical filed. Worldwide in a medical field, A PCD Pharma Company is playing an essential and crucial role in the rapid growth. The pharma industry is progressing t a fast pace. The company uses the latest technologies for each brand which ensures the safety of products and accepts the responsibility of human health & life by providing better outcomes. To have a drug license number and company registration, the cost to establish the company is quite cost-effective that is15000-20000rs. So this gives people a brilliant opportunity to have their unit without digging a big hole in their bank balance. Indian produces exquisite quality products, which make pharma companies a considerable success.

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WALGREEN’S IN HOT WATER OVER PHONY PHARMACIST

Article | February 11, 2020

The drugstore chain agreed to pay $7.5 million in fines after an unlicensed pharmacist at several San Francisco Bay locations illegally filled more than 700,000 prescriptions over a ten-year period. According to California prosecutors, Kim Thien Le stole license numbers from other pharmacists to fill prescriptions for Fentanyl, morphine, and other painkillers. Le pleaded guilty to multiple felony impersonation counts. Walgreen’s agreed to the settlement to avoid being charged with consumer fraud in Alameda and Santa Anna Counties. Prosecutors alleged that Walgreen’s failed to verify Le’s license and did not conduct a thorough background check. The company insisted it has taken remedial measures.

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Pharma Tech

Use of AI: Reshaping the Pharmaceutical Industry

Article | July 12, 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become an increasingly serious global health problem in recent years. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 700,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant infections, and the number is expected to increase in the coming years. How does antimicrobial resistance emerge? Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. It makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease, severe illness, and death. When we use antibiotics, some bacteria die, but resistant bacteria can survive and even multiply. The overuse of antibiotics and substandard antibiotics make resistant bacteria more common. So, the more we use antibiotics, the more chances bacteria have to become resistant to them. The rise in AMR is caused by multiple factors including the misuse and overuse of antibiotics by humans as well as in livestock and agriculture. Although these are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens, the emergence of substandard and falsified antibiotics is another lesser-known, huge contributory factor. Even though AMR is a leading cause of death around the world, it is tracked most closely in clinical high-income settings and developed countries. Unfortunately, this is not the case in low and middle-income countries, where the highest burden is in low-resource settings and low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). These countries are disproportionately affected, in part due to the high burden of communicable diseases. Consequences to human health of AMR AMR poses significant risks to human health, resulting in prolonged and more severe infections, extended hospitalizations, and increased healthcare expenses. It can also lead to an increased risk of death, as an infection may become untreatable. Additionally, it can reduce the effectiveness of medicines and treatments, making it more difficult to manage existing medical conditions. It is even more concerning that it can lead to the emergence of new, more dangerous strains of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. This would mean medical procedures, such as surgery, including caesarean sections or hip replacements, cancer chemotherapy, and organ transplantation, will become riskier. Counterfeit medicines and antibiotics: Antibiotics are the most counterfeited medicines in the world, as they account for 28% of global counterfeit medicines. Substandard and falsified antibiotics are medicines that do not meet the quality standards set by regulatory authorities. Counterfeit antibiotics are estimated at 5% of the global antibiotic market. These medicines are often of inferior quality or contain incorrect ingredients or incorrect amounts of active ingredients. They may also contain toxic contaminants or be expired, posing serious consequences for patients. Sadly, counterfeit antibiotics are mostly found in LMICs due to a lack of regulation and enforcement, as well as a lack of access to quality healthcare. In many of these countries, the demand for antibiotics is higher than the supply, and counterfeit antibiotics are seen as a cheaper and more accessible alternative. Furthermore, there is a lack of awareness around the dangers of taking counterfeit antibiotics, and there is a lack of resources for health authorities to test for the authenticity of these medicines. Why are antibiotics so rife for counterfeit drugs? Counterfeiters of pharmaceuticals succeed in large part by exploiting weaknesses in supply chains, which are often fragmented with poor regulatory frameworks. Antibiotics are often counterfeited because they are in high demand and can be sold for a large profit. To combat the problem of substandard and falsified antibiotics, governments must take a multi-pronged approach. This should encompass enacting laws and regulations to ensure the quality and safety of medicines, conducting surveillance for detecting and removing substandard and falsified products from the market, as well as providing training and education to healthcare professionals and patients regarding the responsible use of antibiotics. In addition, governments must work to strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain. This includes increasing the transparency of the supply chain, improving the quality control systems, and introducing traceability systems to track the movement of medicines from the manufacturer to the patient. Medical investment in low and middle-income countries Another neglected aspect by international NGOs and governments is investment in building local laboratory capacity in LMICs to combat antimicrobial resistance. Localized laboratory facilities can help identify, track, and prevent the spread of antimicrobial-resistant infections, as well as provide early warnings of emerging drug-resistant strains. Localized microbiology, surveillance, and quality control laboratories can also play an important role in developing new treatments and interventions for combating antimicrobial resistance. In addition, having localized laboratory capacity can provide more accurate standardized data on the prevalence of drug-resistant infections, which can help inform policy decisions and public health interventions. Affordable medicines Finally, governments must work to increase access to high-quality, affordable medicines. This includes improving the availability of generic medicines, which are typically cheaper alternatives to brand-name drugs. They also need to increase access to newer, more effective antibiotics.

Read More
Pharma Tech

Pharma CRM: Fostering Customer Engagement in the Life Science Industry

Article | October 6, 2022

Painkillers like Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin, have been prescribed by primary physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other healthcare providers to patients suffering from varying levels of pain. Though these medications have proven to be an effective source of pain relief, they have also proven to be highly addictive. In fact, it has even been reported that there are more cases of a drug overdose and deaths from prescription painkillers than heroin or cocaine. While there are a number of factors that play into this opioid epidemic, educating doctors and patients on alternative solutions to managing chronic pain is a great place to start combatting this nationwide crisis.

Read More
PHARMACY MARKET

How long will the world wait for the next pandemic of antimicrobial resistance before we act?

Article | October 10, 2023

PCD Pharma stands for propaganda distribution. A PCD company gives brand name and support to its franchises. They also provide distribution rights and monopoly rights within a particular region. If a person wants to establish their business, it is a must for them to know the pros and cons of the business to make a sound decision. Needless to mention that PCD company has a lot to contribute in the medical filed. Worldwide in a medical field, A PCD Pharma Company is playing an essential and crucial role in the rapid growth. The pharma industry is progressing t a fast pace. The company uses the latest technologies for each brand which ensures the safety of products and accepts the responsibility of human health & life by providing better outcomes. To have a drug license number and company registration, the cost to establish the company is quite cost-effective that is15000-20000rs. So this gives people a brilliant opportunity to have their unit without digging a big hole in their bank balance. Indian produces exquisite quality products, which make pharma companies a considerable success.

Read More

WALGREEN’S IN HOT WATER OVER PHONY PHARMACIST

Article | February 11, 2020

The drugstore chain agreed to pay $7.5 million in fines after an unlicensed pharmacist at several San Francisco Bay locations illegally filled more than 700,000 prescriptions over a ten-year period. According to California prosecutors, Kim Thien Le stole license numbers from other pharmacists to fill prescriptions for Fentanyl, morphine, and other painkillers. Le pleaded guilty to multiple felony impersonation counts. Walgreen’s agreed to the settlement to avoid being charged with consumer fraud in Alameda and Santa Anna Counties. Prosecutors alleged that Walgreen’s failed to verify Le’s license and did not conduct a thorough background check. The company insisted it has taken remedial measures.

Read More
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Spotlight

MedinCell

MedinCell is a pharmaceutical company at commercial stage. We develop a portfolio of long-acting injectables in various therapeutic areas. Our proprietary technology BEPO® aims to ensure patient compliance, improve the effectiveness and accessibility of treatments, and reduce their environmental footprint.

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PHARMACY MARKET, PHARMA TECH

Timber Pharmaceuticals to be Acquired by LEO Pharma

Globenewswire | August 22, 2023

Timber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by LEO US Holding, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of LEO Pharma A/S, in a total transaction value of up to $36 million with (i) an initial upfront consideration of $14 million and (ii) up to an additional $22.0 million in contingent value rights (CVRs) payable upon achievement of certain milestones described below. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock and other equity interests of Timber will be converted into the right to receive the initial upfront consideration, less the payments for certain outstanding warrants that contain a Black Scholes cash payout value. For example, based on a current estimate of the Black Scholes value of such warrants of approximately $5.1 million, subject to change based on the assumptions detailed below, Timber expects the initial amount per share to be paid to Timber stockholders to be approximately $2.62 based on approximately 3.4 million shares of Timber common stock and restricted stock issued and outstanding as of August 20, 2023. The current estimated value to stockholders is based on an implied value assigned to certain outstanding warrants based on Black Scholes option pricing model as of August 18, 2023. This value will not be finalized until the closing of the merger and is subject to increase or decrease based on certain variables, including the actual trading price of Timber at the time of the merger and the trading volatility of Timber common stock prior to the merger. The CVRs that Timber stockholders will receive provide for the payment of up to an additional $22 million with respect to specific milestones for TMB-001, of which up to $12 million is related to FDA approval of TMB-001 by October 1, 2025 for the treatment of congenital ichthyosis, and up to $10 million of which is related to the first achievement of TMB-001 net sales exceeding $100 million within four consecutive calendar quarters by December 31, 2028. As part of the transaction, LEO Pharma has agreed to provide Timber with a bridge loan of up to $3.0 million, subject to certain conditions. The payments of the CVRs are subject to certain deductions relating to the repayment of 50% of the bridge loan provided by LEO Pharma to Timber in connection with the merger. John Koconis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Timber, said, “We are very pleased to deliver a transaction that will maximize long term value for Timber’s shareholders. LEO Pharma is a leader in global dermatology with a mission that matches our own - a relentless pursuit to help patients suffering from skin diseases. “LEO’s expertise and global footprint make it the best choice to advance and achieve the full potential of Timber’s portfolio of product candidates. We believe that LEO has the potential to establish TMB-001 as the standard of care in the treatment of congenital ichthyosis, a devastating, rare disease. “Finally, I would like to sincerely thank our dedicated team at Timber for their tireless efforts, and the clinical investigators, medical professionals, patients and families whose personal contributions have been instrumental in shaping our understanding of TMB-001.” The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by the holders of a majority of the shares of Timber’s common stock. Following completion of the transaction, Timber will become a privately held company and shares of Timber’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market. Timber will file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that will include a copy of the merger agreement and the CVR agreement and will contain a more detailed description of the merger and the consideration to be received by Timber stockholders. About LEO Pharma LEO Pharma is a global company dedicated to advancing the standard of care for the benefit of people with skin conditions, their families and society. Founded in 1908 and majority owned by the LEO Foundation, LEO Pharma has devoted decades of research and development to advance the science of dermatology, and today, the company offers a wide range of therapies for all disease severities. LEO Pharma is headquartered in Denmark with a global team of 4,700 people, serving millions of patients across the world. In 2022, LEO Pharma generated net sales of DKK 10.6 billion. About Timber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Timber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of treatments for rare and orphan dermatologic diseases. The Company's investigational therapies have proven mechanisms-of-action backed by decades of clinical experience and well-established CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, and control) and safety profiles. Timber is focused on developing non-systemic treatments for rare dermatologic diseases including congenital ichthyosis (CI) and sclerotic skin diseases. For more information, visit www.timberpharma.com.

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PHARMACY MARKET, PHARMA TECH

GoodRx Expands Pharmacy Services Platform With $150M vitaCare Acquisition

GoodRx | October 21, 2022

To circumvent overpriced prescription drugs and grow its robust pharmacy services platform, GoodRx finalized its vitaCare acquisition. Based on a transaction that started in the first quarter of 2022, GoodRx agreed to secure vitaCare for $150 million in cash. Based on vitaCare’s financial performance through 2023, an additional $7 million consideration is also possible. A report cited by Globe Newswire showed that the global pharmacy market size has a forecasted value of $1,627.74 billion by 2030. Pharmaceutical platforms, with accessible clinical programs and digital adoptions, have a positive impact on today’s healthcare system, with vitaCare as one of the promising brands. vitaCare, a healthcare service platform, offers cost-effective solutions to patients. More precisely, the platform helps individuals navigate insurance coverage and its optimized benefits to attain lower-priced medications. Rising investments in pharmacy services have sparked interest in vitaCare, including that of GoodRx. The acquisition of vitaCare is in line with GoodRx’s mission, though. Co-CEO Doug Hirsch states that the company seeks to relieve the financial burden that comes with securing medication. Pharma manufacturers have constantly observed barriers to proper patient care, especially for affordable medicine and complicated reimbursement processes. With vitaCare at the helm, new tools are utilized to ensure more patients are linked to relevant savings programs and transparent pricing information. Hirsch hopes that the acquisition will facilitate a smoother brand prescription process overall. Profit-wise, GoodRx predicts the deal will contribute under 1% of its total revenue in 2022, though there is no substantial long-term discern. This acquisition is the latest in GoodRx’s commitment to delivering consumer-focused healthcare services. The company has a history of connecting individuals to accessible, research-based health information. One of the most notable ones is its partnership with Wheel in 2021, which generated better outcomes for patient care. Telemedicine software provider Wheel offers flexible clinical services to a broad patient base. Wheel’s platform equips clinics with the capability of synchronous and asynchronous consults. It utilizes network virtualization to create a seamless experience for healthcare providers and patients. Our post ‘Network Virtualization: The Future of Businesses and Networks’ previously discussed how virtualization empowers a software’s scalability — and this certainly manifests in Wheel’s platform. Providers can choose from a range of services that enhance patient care. One of the services is ePrescription medications, which remotely administers prescriptions. Following the integration of GoodRx’s technology into Wheel’s platform, health providers and patients alike can meet reduced costs of care. As it stands, GoodRx’s coupon price API operates with over 200 billion pricing data points daily. Consumers use these to identify lower-priced medications. With the integration, Wheel-mobilized clinics can offer their patients a GoodRx coupon. GoodRx can also adapt its services to remote healthcare activities through the partnership. After all, GoodRx is essentially a marketplace. Ultimately, GoodRx champions solutions that provide consumers with affordable healthcare access and medication. With vitaCare among its ranks today, the company can focus on promoting better patient adherence to treatment plans.

Read More

Pharmacy Market

Prescryptive Health Launches COVID-19 Treatment Solution for Pharmacists

Prescryptive Health | September 29, 2021

Healthcare technology company Prescryptive Health today announced a turn-key solution for pharmacists to treat COVID-19 through monoclonal antibody administration. This new program builds on the company's work with community pharmacists on COVID-19 testing and vaccine services and supports the National Community Pharmacists Association's effort to prepare pharmacists to provide this treatment. As in all our COVID-19 solutions, we are empowering pharmacists to help end this pandemic, through identifying, reporting, preventing, and now treating this virus, More than 90% of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, and pharmacists have proven again and again how essential they are in their communities. - Chris Blackley, Prescryptive Health's CEO The solution is truly turn-key, allowing pharmacists to get trained and provide COVID-19 treatment to their communities quickly. As this public health crisis continues, pharmacists can support their communities in new ways through this program. - Michele Belcher, incoming NCPA president and pharmacist at Grants Pass Pharmacy in Oregon Prescryptive Health's robust, one-hour ACPE-accredited continuing education training for COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment is free for pharmacists nationwide. NCPA supports the continuing education program built by Prescryptive. In combination with the NCPA resources, pharmacists have the tools necessary to prepare administering this clinical service. The innovative program also includes a clinical protocol developed by subject matter experts and leading regulators; policies and procedures to help pharmacies operationalize the service; guidance on accessing inventory as it becomes available; and billing services, through Prescryptive's partnership with AssureCare®. This program will debut in Oregon, with additional locations added across the nation in the coming weeks. Belcher and Paige Clark, VP of Programs and Policy at Prescryptive Health, will present at the NCPA conference in October on the COVID-19 treatment program, showing how pharmacists are playing a crucial role for public health in their communities. About Prescryptive Health Prescryptive Health is a healthcare technology company delivering solutions that empower consumers. Prescryptive's secure, mobile-first products connect consumers, pharmacists, and employers, ultimately providing people with the information they need to make informed decisions and take control of their health.

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PHARMACY MARKET, PHARMA TECH

Timber Pharmaceuticals to be Acquired by LEO Pharma

Globenewswire | August 22, 2023

Timber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by LEO US Holding, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of LEO Pharma A/S, in a total transaction value of up to $36 million with (i) an initial upfront consideration of $14 million and (ii) up to an additional $22.0 million in contingent value rights (CVRs) payable upon achievement of certain milestones described below. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock and other equity interests of Timber will be converted into the right to receive the initial upfront consideration, less the payments for certain outstanding warrants that contain a Black Scholes cash payout value. For example, based on a current estimate of the Black Scholes value of such warrants of approximately $5.1 million, subject to change based on the assumptions detailed below, Timber expects the initial amount per share to be paid to Timber stockholders to be approximately $2.62 based on approximately 3.4 million shares of Timber common stock and restricted stock issued and outstanding as of August 20, 2023. The current estimated value to stockholders is based on an implied value assigned to certain outstanding warrants based on Black Scholes option pricing model as of August 18, 2023. This value will not be finalized until the closing of the merger and is subject to increase or decrease based on certain variables, including the actual trading price of Timber at the time of the merger and the trading volatility of Timber common stock prior to the merger. The CVRs that Timber stockholders will receive provide for the payment of up to an additional $22 million with respect to specific milestones for TMB-001, of which up to $12 million is related to FDA approval of TMB-001 by October 1, 2025 for the treatment of congenital ichthyosis, and up to $10 million of which is related to the first achievement of TMB-001 net sales exceeding $100 million within four consecutive calendar quarters by December 31, 2028. As part of the transaction, LEO Pharma has agreed to provide Timber with a bridge loan of up to $3.0 million, subject to certain conditions. The payments of the CVRs are subject to certain deductions relating to the repayment of 50% of the bridge loan provided by LEO Pharma to Timber in connection with the merger. John Koconis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Timber, said, “We are very pleased to deliver a transaction that will maximize long term value for Timber’s shareholders. LEO Pharma is a leader in global dermatology with a mission that matches our own - a relentless pursuit to help patients suffering from skin diseases. “LEO’s expertise and global footprint make it the best choice to advance and achieve the full potential of Timber’s portfolio of product candidates. We believe that LEO has the potential to establish TMB-001 as the standard of care in the treatment of congenital ichthyosis, a devastating, rare disease. “Finally, I would like to sincerely thank our dedicated team at Timber for their tireless efforts, and the clinical investigators, medical professionals, patients and families whose personal contributions have been instrumental in shaping our understanding of TMB-001.” The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by the holders of a majority of the shares of Timber’s common stock. Following completion of the transaction, Timber will become a privately held company and shares of Timber’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market. Timber will file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that will include a copy of the merger agreement and the CVR agreement and will contain a more detailed description of the merger and the consideration to be received by Timber stockholders. About LEO Pharma LEO Pharma is a global company dedicated to advancing the standard of care for the benefit of people with skin conditions, their families and society. Founded in 1908 and majority owned by the LEO Foundation, LEO Pharma has devoted decades of research and development to advance the science of dermatology, and today, the company offers a wide range of therapies for all disease severities. LEO Pharma is headquartered in Denmark with a global team of 4,700 people, serving millions of patients across the world. In 2022, LEO Pharma generated net sales of DKK 10.6 billion. About Timber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Timber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of treatments for rare and orphan dermatologic diseases. The Company's investigational therapies have proven mechanisms-of-action backed by decades of clinical experience and well-established CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, and control) and safety profiles. Timber is focused on developing non-systemic treatments for rare dermatologic diseases including congenital ichthyosis (CI) and sclerotic skin diseases. For more information, visit www.timberpharma.com.

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PHARMACY MARKET, PHARMA TECH

GoodRx Expands Pharmacy Services Platform With $150M vitaCare Acquisition

GoodRx | October 21, 2022

To circumvent overpriced prescription drugs and grow its robust pharmacy services platform, GoodRx finalized its vitaCare acquisition. Based on a transaction that started in the first quarter of 2022, GoodRx agreed to secure vitaCare for $150 million in cash. Based on vitaCare’s financial performance through 2023, an additional $7 million consideration is also possible. A report cited by Globe Newswire showed that the global pharmacy market size has a forecasted value of $1,627.74 billion by 2030. Pharmaceutical platforms, with accessible clinical programs and digital adoptions, have a positive impact on today’s healthcare system, with vitaCare as one of the promising brands. vitaCare, a healthcare service platform, offers cost-effective solutions to patients. More precisely, the platform helps individuals navigate insurance coverage and its optimized benefits to attain lower-priced medications. Rising investments in pharmacy services have sparked interest in vitaCare, including that of GoodRx. The acquisition of vitaCare is in line with GoodRx’s mission, though. Co-CEO Doug Hirsch states that the company seeks to relieve the financial burden that comes with securing medication. Pharma manufacturers have constantly observed barriers to proper patient care, especially for affordable medicine and complicated reimbursement processes. With vitaCare at the helm, new tools are utilized to ensure more patients are linked to relevant savings programs and transparent pricing information. Hirsch hopes that the acquisition will facilitate a smoother brand prescription process overall. Profit-wise, GoodRx predicts the deal will contribute under 1% of its total revenue in 2022, though there is no substantial long-term discern. This acquisition is the latest in GoodRx’s commitment to delivering consumer-focused healthcare services. The company has a history of connecting individuals to accessible, research-based health information. One of the most notable ones is its partnership with Wheel in 2021, which generated better outcomes for patient care. Telemedicine software provider Wheel offers flexible clinical services to a broad patient base. Wheel’s platform equips clinics with the capability of synchronous and asynchronous consults. It utilizes network virtualization to create a seamless experience for healthcare providers and patients. Our post ‘Network Virtualization: The Future of Businesses and Networks’ previously discussed how virtualization empowers a software’s scalability — and this certainly manifests in Wheel’s platform. Providers can choose from a range of services that enhance patient care. One of the services is ePrescription medications, which remotely administers prescriptions. Following the integration of GoodRx’s technology into Wheel’s platform, health providers and patients alike can meet reduced costs of care. As it stands, GoodRx’s coupon price API operates with over 200 billion pricing data points daily. Consumers use these to identify lower-priced medications. With the integration, Wheel-mobilized clinics can offer their patients a GoodRx coupon. GoodRx can also adapt its services to remote healthcare activities through the partnership. After all, GoodRx is essentially a marketplace. Ultimately, GoodRx champions solutions that provide consumers with affordable healthcare access and medication. With vitaCare among its ranks today, the company can focus on promoting better patient adherence to treatment plans.

Read More

Pharmacy Market

Prescryptive Health Launches COVID-19 Treatment Solution for Pharmacists

Prescryptive Health | September 29, 2021

Healthcare technology company Prescryptive Health today announced a turn-key solution for pharmacists to treat COVID-19 through monoclonal antibody administration. This new program builds on the company's work with community pharmacists on COVID-19 testing and vaccine services and supports the National Community Pharmacists Association's effort to prepare pharmacists to provide this treatment. As in all our COVID-19 solutions, we are empowering pharmacists to help end this pandemic, through identifying, reporting, preventing, and now treating this virus, More than 90% of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, and pharmacists have proven again and again how essential they are in their communities. - Chris Blackley, Prescryptive Health's CEO The solution is truly turn-key, allowing pharmacists to get trained and provide COVID-19 treatment to their communities quickly. As this public health crisis continues, pharmacists can support their communities in new ways through this program. - Michele Belcher, incoming NCPA president and pharmacist at Grants Pass Pharmacy in Oregon Prescryptive Health's robust, one-hour ACPE-accredited continuing education training for COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment is free for pharmacists nationwide. NCPA supports the continuing education program built by Prescryptive. In combination with the NCPA resources, pharmacists have the tools necessary to prepare administering this clinical service. The innovative program also includes a clinical protocol developed by subject matter experts and leading regulators; policies and procedures to help pharmacies operationalize the service; guidance on accessing inventory as it becomes available; and billing services, through Prescryptive's partnership with AssureCare®. This program will debut in Oregon, with additional locations added across the nation in the coming weeks. Belcher and Paige Clark, VP of Programs and Policy at Prescryptive Health, will present at the NCPA conference in October on the COVID-19 treatment program, showing how pharmacists are playing a crucial role for public health in their communities. About Prescryptive Health Prescryptive Health is a healthcare technology company delivering solutions that empower consumers. Prescryptive's secure, mobile-first products connect consumers, pharmacists, and employers, ultimately providing people with the information they need to make informed decisions and take control of their health.

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