The Case for a Public Option for the Drug Industry

The New Republic | September 16, 2019

Under siege from thousands of lawsuits from federal, state, and local governments for its role in the deadly opioid addiction crisis, drug manufacturer Purdue Pharma reached a tentative settlement with some of the plaintiffs last week. In the deal, Purdue would transform itself through the bankruptcy process from a typical, profit-chasing drugmaker into a “public beneficiary company.” It’s an offer that has been rejected by many of the attorneys general suing the company. They believe the proposed settlement doesn’t come close to compensating for the harm done by the flood of addictive OxyContin the company pumped into communities to pad its bottom line. Purdue, for its part, is moving ahead, filing Sunday night for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The two sides could square off in court as early as this week.  Nonetheless, the proposition raises an important question: If plaintiffs are open to the idea of turning Purdue into a public trust run by appointees of a federal bankruptcy judge—one that would distribute its profits to state and local governments—why not take one more step? Why not create the beginnings of a network of public pharmaceutical companies like those that already exists in such countries as Sweden, Brazil, and Thailand?

Spotlight

Welcome to Pharmaprojects’ 2023 review of trends in pharmaceutical R&D. For over 30 years now, I’ve been taking an annual look at the evolution of pharma R&D, and in this article, I’llexamine the state of play at the start of 2023.

Spotlight

Welcome to Pharmaprojects’ 2023 review of trends in pharmaceutical R&D. For over 30 years now, I’ve been taking an annual look at the evolution of pharma R&D, and in this article, I’llexamine the state of play at the start of 2023.

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Elixir announces the next wave of innovation for pharmacy benefits technology platform

Businesswire | May 29, 2023

Elixir, a pharmacy benefit management company owned by Rite Aid has announced details of the next release of its Laker Software technology platform. The upcoming enhancements include new automated workflows, a customer service tool and modernization of the user interface. "Already a leader in the industry, Laker Software is going from good to great,” said Jeff Mallad, VP, PBM Technology Sales for Elixir. "Elixir’s technology platform is one of the fastest and most reliable pharmacy claims systems available—and it’s about to become turbo-charged! We’re modernizing the future of pharmacy benefits to support our customers’ business growth, the digital world and cost reduction.” The upgrade will include a range of advanced functionalities that are designed to help customers better manage their pharmacy claims adjudication data and streamline workflows. The new features will allow users to access and share data more efficiently, collaborate more effectively, and improve productivity. For more than 20 years, the Laker Software platform has been a leading technology solution and one of only a few that can manage multiple lines of business including Medicare, Medicaid and Exchange Commercial payers Adjudication and claims processing for 340B pharmacies Prescription savings card programs Workers’ compensation Built on a resilient, scalable architecture, the Laker Software platform is a 100% virtualized environment. The platform processes millions of paid claims per year and is SOC 1 Type 2 certified. It has multiple levels of data security and redundant backup systems. Laker Software provides a full set of robust capabilities, including Claims Processing/Adjudication Call Center Plan Set Up Eligibility Accumulator Accounts Payable/Receivable Prior Authorization Reporting Customers will begin to beta test some of the platform’s newest features shortly, and other enhancements will follow as the next generation of Laker Software evolves. Customers can expect to see improvements in cost reduction due to automation, solutions for improved plan design and channel management, and advanced analytics and statistical analyses. This is in addition to a cloud-based infrastructure and redesigned user interface, allowing for even more flexibility and a better customer experience. "Elixir is committed to investing in innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the pharmacy benefits industry,” said Mallad. “In addition to our Laker platform, customers can rely on our full suite of pharmacy benefit services to custom design their ideal solution. We support your business, enable your growth and help you succeed in every segment of the pharmacy lifecycle." About Elixir Elixir, a fully owned subsidiary of Rite Aid Corporation, is a pharmacy services provider that offers pharmacy benefit management services, Medicare-approved prescription drug plans, mail and specialty pharmacy solutions, and prescription discount programs. With the unique ability to optimize the full pharmacy care experience, Elixir is crafting solutions for today’s pharmacy benefits challenges.

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Asieris Deepens Strategic Partnership with UroViu to Further Develop Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment Platform for Bladder Cancer

PRNewswire | May 19, 2023

Asieris Pharmaceuticals a global biopharma company specializing in discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs for the treatment of genitourinary tumors and other related diseases, announced a strategic collaboration with UroViu Corporation ("UroViu"). Asieris Pharmaceuticals will obtain exclusive global rights to UroViu's patented technology of portable single-use cystoscope in the field of fluorescent imaging. Under the agreement, Asieris Pharmaceuticals will use this patented technology in combination with specific optical imaging agents to conduct research on the application of non-white light imaging technology in the diagnosis and postoperative monitoring of None-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMBC). At the same time, Asieris Pharmaceuticals will be responsible for the global commercialization of the sterile single-use fluorescent Cystoscope. Previously, Asieris Pharmaceuticals entered a cooperation agreement with UroViu in 2021 for the exclusive registration and commercialization rights of its portable single-use flexible white light cystoscopy system in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. "There is still a huge unmet need for more accessible and safer fluorescent cystoscopy in the diagnosis and surveillance of bladder cancer."Dr. Susan Wang, Senior Vice President of Global Business Development & Strategic Partnership of Asieris said, "We are thrilled to deepen and expand our collaboration with UroViu which enabling us not only to broaden our technology portfolio, but also to expedite the implementation of Asieris' integrated strategy for bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment, aiming to provide more effective disease management options for bladder cancer patients." "We are excited about the possibilities that our expanded Partnership with Asieris will create. Our unique and expanding portfolio of single use endoscopic products are fulfilling UroViu's promise to greatly improve both the patient and provider experience, elevate the standard of care in a field with rapidly advancing technologies," said Bruce OuYang, Founder and CEO of UroViu. About Asieris Asieris Pharmaceuticals founded in March 2010, is a global biopharma company specializing in the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative drugs that treat genitourinary tumors and other related diseases. We strive to improve human health and help people live a more dignified life. We aim to become a global pharma leader that integrates R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization in our areas of focus, as we provide best-in-class integrated diagnosis and treatment solutions for patients in China and worldwide. The company has been developing its proprietary R&D platform and core technologies, exploring new mechanisms of action, and efficiently screening and evaluating drug candidates. With a well-established in-house R&D system and expertise in global drug development, Asieris is committed to launching first-in-class drugs and other innovative products to address huge unmet needs in its areas of focus. Asieris is also enhancing its pipeline for genitourinary diseases via proprietary R&D and strategic partnerships, while closely following cutting-edge technologies and therapeutics. The company strives to discover and identify unmet medical needs, and adopts a forward-looking approach in product planning and life-cycle management. We aim to establish an outstanding portfolio that covers diagnosis and treatment in a bid to benefit more patients in China and globally.

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PHARMACY MARKET

Mednow Announces Partnership With Medcan Health Management Inc. to Deliver Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Healthcare

businesswire | May 18, 2023

Mednow Inc Canada’s on-demand virtual pharmacy has been named the preferred virtual pharmacy partner for Medcan Health Management Inc. and its valued clients. Mednow is focused on improving the delivery of pharmacy services in Canada through digitization to provide better patient access to pharmacists, doctors and other healthcare professionals. Mednow offers instant access to pharmacists in the Mednow app or on the phone and offers fast, free delivery of prescription medication. “At Medcan, we’re always striving to bring our valued clients the highest level of service and incredible level of care through integrated, comprehensive and convenient health and wellness services, including ensuring they have easy access to a premium pharmacy experience,” said Shaun Francis, CEO and Chair of Medcan. “By partnering with Mednow, our Medcan clients will not only have a new option to get their prescription medications, over the counter products or supplements, but also the added benefit of always-on access to knowledgeable pharmacists who can help ensure they’re taking medications correctly,” said Francis. “Mednow is proud to partner with Medcan, a pioneer in high quality healthcare in Canada and an ideal partner to work with to reduce care fragmentation and enhance collaboration between our two healthcare professions,” said Ali Reyhany, CEO and Co-Founder of Mednow. “Our proprietary technology provides seamless access to our pharmacy team, which deploys the latest health technologies and best practices in pharmacy to optimize patient care. Texting your pharmacist, automatic refill reminders and the availability of Pillsmart™ medication packs are just some of the ways Mednow can help Medcan’s mutual patients,” said Reyhany. About Mednow Mednow is a healthcare technology company offering virtual access with a high-standard of care. Designed with accessibility and quality of care in mind, Mednow provides virtual pharmacy and telemedicine services as well as doctor home visits through an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare that is focused on the patient experience. Mednow’s services include free at-home delivery of medications, doctor consultations, a user- friendly interface for easy upload, transfer, and refill of prescriptions, access to healthcare professionals through an intuitive chat experience and the specialized PillSmart™ system that packages prescriptions in easy-to-use daily dose packs, each labelled with the date and time of the next dose.

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