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Costly Drugs Known As Biologics Prompt Exclusivity Debate
"A bitter Congressional fight over the cost of superexpensive biotechnology drugs has come down to a single, hotly debated number: How many years should makers of those drugs be exempt from generic competition?" The New York Times reports. "At issue are such drugs as Biogen Idec"s Avonex, for multiple sclerosis, which can cost more than $20,000 a year; Genentech"s Avastin for cancer, which can cost more than $50,000; and several Genzyme drugs for rare diseases that can cost $200,000 a year or more. ò€¦ Because they are hard to copy exactly, they have not been subject to the generic competition that eventually knocks down the price of drugs like Lipitor and Prozac."
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Discovery Of New Proteins May Lead To More Effective Treatment Of Endocarditis And Infections Associated With Implants
A research team at the Faculty of Odontology at Malmo University in Sweden has discovered two new proteins that are of importance to the survival of bacteria and their colonization of the human body. Besides enhancing our knowledge of the ability of bacteria to spread, the findings may also lead to more effective treatment of endocarditis and infections associated with implants.
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One In Six Public Health Workers Won't Work In Emergency Flu Pandemic, According To Ben-Gurion University Of The Negev Researchers
A study conducted by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health indicates that approximately 16 percent of public health care workers will not report for work in a pandemic flu emergency, regardless of the severity.
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Health Reform Legislation Will Impact Preventive And Wellness Programs

Reuters reports: "Efforts to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system and expand coverage to millions of uninsured could lead some wellness programs to expand and others to constrict, experts say.... In all of the bills in Congress, insurers would be required to cover some preventive services, and all of the bills include prevention and wellness incentives. That could alter what care and coverage are included in wellness programs, such as nutritional counseling or similar programs. ... One incentive under consideration would give tax credits to companies for wellness programs, said Maya Rockeymoore, head of Washington, D.C.-based Global Policy Solutions consultants." "Also, a Senate proposal would set aside funds for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to serve as a re for companies to help them establish and standardize wellness program practices, she said." (Wulfhorst, 7/7). Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports: "As Congress ramps up the debate over health reform, efforts to prevent and manage chronic conditions like diabetes are a major focus. Such illnesses affect more than 130 million Americans and account for about three-quarters of total health spending. Already, well over half of big companies have launched initiatives to improve employee health." The Journal reports that, after trying several voluntary programs, AmeriGas Propane Inc. gave their employees an ultimatum last year: "The nationwide propane distributor took the unusual step after facing years of steep increases in the cost of health coverage for its roughly 6,000 workers. ... Then, beginning last year, the company mandated that all employees would have to get physical exams, blood-pressure checks and cholesterol and blood-sugar tests. Women also were required to get Pap smears, and mammograms for those 40 and older. Workers and their covered spouses would have a year to complete the tests, which are covered 100%, or lose their insurance. And they"d need to keep getting the checkups at least every two years in order to retain the health benefits." The Journal reports that union officials say they object to the idea of mandated health tests. The Journal also notes: "Despite their popularity, many preventive health programs fail to deliver savings. Those focused solely on detecting disease are often costly to their sponsors. However, corporate wellness programs that resulted in participants making changes such as losing weight or quitting smoking have saved money" (Matthews, 7/8). This information was reprinted from kaiserhealthnews.org with kind permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives and sign up for email delivery at kaiserhealthnews.org. © Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.


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