Industry News
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - SpendMend, a leading provider of solutions to optimize the cost cycle for the healthcare industry, today unveiled the latest iteration of its pharmacy analytics and procurement software, Trulla. This upgraded release showcases numerous improvements to functionality and user experience.
Trulla, by SpendMend, is a cloud-based application that leverages proprietary AI algorithms to highlight financial leakage and dark data in pharmacy spend. To date, Trulla has saved hospitals and health systems over $250 million in drug costs. In 2023, clients averaged an annual savings of 1.6% of their pharmacy spend – which equated to an average daily cost savings of over $12,000, per client.
Developed by pharmacy professionals, Trulla software enables pharmacy leaders to leverage in-depth analytics in real-time while automating the correct pharmacy contract with the most preferred NDC (National Drug Code) and supplier for pharmacy buyers. This cutting-edge solution empowers pharmacy buyers to work effortlessly across all locations within a single, user-friendly system.
Previously focused solely on large integrated delivery networks, the Trulla platform now extends its services beyond this threshold, catering to institutions of varying sizes within the healthcare landscape. This expansion democratizes access to cost-saving solutions in the pharmacy domain, ensuring that smaller healthcare providers can benefit from Trulla's advanced capabilities. By broadening its reach, SpendMend is further reinforcing its commitment to driving tangible cost savings across the healthcare sector.
"We are thrilled to unveil the latest iteration of Trulla, designed to serve a broader spectrum of pharmacies within the healthcare landscape," says Curtis McEntire, VP of Trulla Solutions at SpendMend. "Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by pharmacies in optimizing pharmacy procurement, I am proud that Trulla can now contribute to enhancing patient care by empowering smaller institutions with the tools they need to thrive."
"The potential impact of this new release is very exciting," remarks Jake Thompson, VP of SpendMend Pharmacy. "Trulla has supported smaller hospitals when a part of a large IDN, but our new release allows us to support even small IDNs and small independent facilities.”
For more information about Trulla and SpendMend's suite of cost-saving solutions, visit https://www.spendmend.com/solutions/pharmacy-solutions/pharmacy-procurement-software/.
Approximately 98 million American adults—about one in three—have prediabetes, nearly 40 million Americans have diabetes, and more than 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese. Treatments for diabetes and obesity-related conditions show promise to help alleviate a growing disease burden, but access to newer, clinically proven medications remains limited.
To help patients being treated for diabetes, obesity, and migraine, Amazon Pharmacy is now offering home delivery of select medications through LillyDirect. Lilly has selected Amazon Pharmacy to serve as a third-party dispensing provider for LillyDirect Pharmacy Solutions, delivering prescribed Lilly medications directly to a patient’s home.
At Amazon Pharmacy, we believe access to high-quality pharmacy support is essential to good health care. Our clinical pharmacists review each incoming prescription for accuracy, appropriateness, and drug interactions. We offer 24/7 access to a clinical pharmacist for patients who have questions about their care. And, our world-class logistics and supply chain management enable customers to get their prescribed medications delivered on time and directly to their door, with ongoing tracking updates and access to customer care teams.
High-quality clinical support
or many patients who start using insulin, or injectable medications for migraine or obesity, this will be the first time they administer an injection. Amazon pharmacists can support medication management by providing guidance on administration techniques, drug interactions, side effects, and cost considerations. Pharmacists can also assist with reminder tools to help patients stay consistent with their medication schedule. Amazon Pharmacy’s clinical team remains available 24/7 to respond to care questions and support care.
Treating diabetes and obesity can slow or prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease, reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke, as well as reducing the risk of some cancers, osteoarthritis, and more. We’re pleased to work with Lilly to reimagine a pharmacy experience that can support better care outcomes. Physicians may send prescriptions to LillyDirect Pharmacy Solutions or to Amazon Pharmacy.
What medications are available through LillyDirect?
A full list of Lilly medicines currently available via LillyDirect can be found at https://lillydirect.lilly.com/medicines.
What medications are available through Amazon Pharmacy?
Amazon Pharmacy is a digital-first, full-service pharmacy on Amazon.com. We carry most medications prescribed at the doctor’s office, and deliver right to your door, with free two-day delivery for Prime members. Amazon Pharmacy accepts most insurance plans, and offers additional ways to save with PrimeRx and RxPass.
AstraZeneca announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Amolyt Pharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel treatments for rare endocrine diseases.
The proposed acquisition will bolster the Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease late-stage pipeline and expand on its bone metabolism franchise with the notable addition of eneboparatide (AZP-3601), a Phase III investigational therapeutic peptide with a novel mechanism of action designed to meet key therapeutic goals for hypoparathyroidism. Additionally, Alexion is looking forward to welcoming talent from Amolyt Pharma.
In patients with hypoparathyroidism, a deficiency in parathyroid hormone (PTH) production results in significant dysregulation of calcium and phosphate, which can lead to life-altering symptoms and complications, including chronic kidney disease.1 It is one of the largest known rare diseases, affecting an estimated 115,000 people in the United States and 107,000 people in the European Union, approximately 80% of whom are women.2,3
Marc Dunoyer, Chief Executive Officer, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, said: “Chronic hypoparathyroid patients face a significant need for an alternative to current supportive therapies, which do not address the underlying hormone deficiency. As leaders in rare disease, Alexion is uniquely positioned to drive the late-stage development and global commercialisation of eneboparatide, which has the potential to lessen the often debilitating impact of low parathyroid hormone and avoid the risks of high-dose calcium supplementation. We believe this programme, together with Amolyt’s talented team, expertise and earlier pipeline, will enable our expansion into rare endocrinology.”
Thierry Abribat, Chief Executive Officer, Amolyt Pharma, said: “We enthusiastically welcome the proposed acquisition of Amolyt by AstraZeneca, an organisation that shares our dedication to delivering life-changing treatments to people living with rare diseases. This agreement offers the opportunity to meaningfully advance our pipeline therapies. Strong Phase II data suggest eneboparatide has the potential to improve outcomes for patients and to shift the treatment paradigm for hypoparathyroidism, and we look forward to seeing the continued advancement of the Phase III trial.”
Eneboparatide is a PTH receptor 1 (PTHR1) agonist with a novel mechanism of action rationally designed to meet the therapeutic goals of hypoparathyroidism.4 Phase II data showed that eneboparatide achieved normalisation of serum calcium levels as well as the potential to eliminate dependence on daily calcium and vitamin D supplementation. In adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism and hypercalciuria, results showed that eneboparatide normalised calcium in urine. In addition, for patients with hypoparathyroidism, eneboparatide preserved bone mineral density, an important potential benefit in patients with an increased risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis.5
Financial considerations
Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will acquire all of Amolyt Pharma’s outstanding shares for a total consideration of up to $1.05 billion, on a cash and debt free basis. This includes $800 million upfront at deal closing, plus the right for Amolyt Pharma’s shareholders to receive an additional contingent payment of $250 million payable upon achievement of a specified regulatory milestone.
Subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions in the acquisition agreement, including regulatory clearances, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2024.
Notes
Eneboparatide (AZP-3601)
Eneboparatide (AZP-3601) is an investigational therapeutic peptide designed to bind with high affinity to a specific conformation of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor 1. Therapeutic goals include: regulating and maintaining serum calcium levels in the normal range, and thereby managing the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism; limiting urine calcium excretion by restoring calcium reabsorption by the kidney; and potentially preventing progressive decline in kidney function and the development of chronic kidney disease. Eneboparatide is also designed to have a short plasma half-life to potentially restore bone turnover to a more physiologic state and to help preserve bone integrity.
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition defined by a deficiency of parathyroid hormone that results in decreased calcium and elevated phosphorus levels in the blood.1 Approximately 80% of the estimated 115,000 people in the United States and 107,000 in the European Union with hypoparathyroidism are women.2,3 Despite available treatments, patients experience persistent, life-altering symptoms and often develop complications and comorbidities that diminish quality of life and create segments of the patient population with specific clinical needs. Clinical manifestations of hypoparathyroidism impact many tissues and organ systems, in particular, the kidneys and bone.6,7
Forward-looking statements
This announcement may include statements that are not statements of historical fact, or “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to AstraZeneca’s proposed acquisition of Amolyt Pharma. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the ability of AstraZeneca and Amolyt Pharma to complete the transactions contemplated by the acquisition agreement, including the parties’ ability to satisfy the conditions set forth in the acquisition agreement, statements about the expected timetable for completing the transaction, AstraZeneca’s and Amolyt Pharma’s beliefs and expectations and statements about the benefits sought to be achieved in AstraZeneca’s proposed acquisition of Amolyt Pharma, the potential effects of the acquisition on both AstraZeneca and Amolyt Pharma, the possibility of any termination of the acquisition agreement, as well as the expected benefits and success of eneboparatide (AZP-3601). These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of AstraZeneca’s and Amolyt Pharma’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees that the conditions to the closing of the proposed transaction will be satisfied on the expected timetable or at all or that eneboparatide (AZP-3601) will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or prove to be commercially successful if approved. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialise, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties as to the timing of the acquisition; the possibility that various conditions to the consummation of the acquisition contemplated by the acquisition agreement may not be satisfied or waived; the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or to obtain them on acceptable terms or within expected timing; the effects of disruption from the transactions contemplated by the acquisition agreement and the impact of the announcement and pendency of the transactions on Amolyt Pharma’s business; the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the offer or the acquisition may result in significant costs of defence, indemnification and liability; the possibility that the achievement of the specified milestone described in the acquisition agreement may take longer to achieve than expected or may never be achieved and the resulting contingent milestone payment may never be realised; general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of COVID-19; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; competition from other products; and challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval.
Neither AstraZeneca nor Amolyt Pharma undertakes any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in AstraZeneca’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2023, as amended by any subsequent filings made with the SEC. These and other filings made by AstraZeneca with the SEC are available at www.sec.gov.
Alexion
Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, is the group within AstraZeneca focused on rare diseases, created following the 2021 acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. As a leader in rare diseases for more than 30 years, Alexion is focused on serving patients and families affected by rare diseases and devastating conditions through the discovery, development and commercialisation of life-changing medicines. Alexion focuses research efforts on novel molecules and targets that include the complement cascade, and development efforts in haematology, nephrology, neurology, metabolic disorders, cardiology and ophthalmology. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Alexion has offices around the globe and serves patients in more than 70 countries.
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on social media @AstraZeneca.
References
1. Clarke BL, et al. Epidemiology and diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(6):2284-99.
2. Vadiveloo, T, et al. A Population-based study of the Epidemiology of Chronic Hypoparathyroidism. J Bone Miner Res. 2018;33(3):478-485.
3. Villarroya-Marquina I, et al. Influence of gender and women's age on the prevalence of parathyroid failure after total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter. Gland Surg. 2020;9(2):245-251.
4. Khan A, et al. Evaluation and management of hypoparathyroidism summary statement and guidelines from the second international workshop. J Bone Miner Res. 2022;37(12):2568-2585.
5. Kamenicky P, et al. OR23-04 Treatment of chronic hypoparathyroidism with eneboparatide (AZP-3601), a novel PTH 1 receptor agonist: results from a phase 2 trial. Journal of the Endocrine Society. 2023;7(Supplement_1): bvad114.562.
6. Bilezikian JP. Hypoparathyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;105(6):1722–36.
7. Abate EG, et al. Review of Hypoparathyroidism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2017;7:172.
DUBLIN - Endo International plc announced today that one of its operating companies, Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Par), is voluntarily recalling one lot of Treprostinil Injection 20mg/20mL (1mg/mL) to the consumer level. The product is being recalled due to the potential for the presence of silicone particulates in the product solution.
Administration of an injectable product that contains particulate matter may result in local irritation or swelling in response to the foreign material. If the particulate matter reaches the blood vessels it can travel to various organs and block blood vessels in the heart, lungs or brain which can cause stroke and even lead to death. To date, Par has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
Treprostinil Injection is formulated for subcutaneous or intravenous infusion. The product is a prostacyclin vasodilator indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension to diminish symptoms associated with exercise and for patients who require transition from epoprostenol to reduce the rate of clinical deterioration.
Treprostinil Injection 20mg/20mL (1mg/mL) is distributed in 20mL multidose vials as sterile solutions in water for injection, individually packaged in cartons under NDC #42023-206-01. Only Lot 57014, expiration date 04/2024 is affected by this recall. The lot was distributed nationwide to wholesalers and hospitals from June 16, 2022, through October 17, 2022.
The image included with this release shows the vial label of the affected lot.
Par is providing written notification to wholesale accounts and the hospital location that have received the affected lot and is arranging for return of all existing inventory of Lot 57014 through Inmar, Inc. Wholesale distributors and hospital pharmacies that have the product being recalled should immediately discontinue use and stop distribution immediately. If you have further distributed the recalled product, please notify your accounts or any additional locations which may have received the recalled product.
For information regarding the recall process, call Inmar, Inc. at 1-855-410-3565 Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm ET. For medical or technical product information or to report a product complaint or adverse event please call 1-800-828-9393.
Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
- Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
RAHWAY, NJ - Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced the completion of the acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: HARP). Harpoon is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck, and Harpoon’s common stock will no longer be publicly traded or listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
“We continue to augment and diversify our oncology pipeline with innovative approaches to help people with cancer worldwide,” said Dr. Dean Y. Li, president, Merck Research Laboratories. “We are pleased to welcome our Harpoon colleagues to Merck and look forward to working together to advance a novel portfolio of T-cell engagers, including MK-6070.”
Harpoon’s lead candidate, MK-6070 (formerly known as HPN328), is a T-cell engager targeting delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), an inhibitory canonical Notch ligand that is expressed at high levels in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and neuroendocrine tumors. The safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of MK-6070 is currently being evaluated as monotherapy in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial (NCT04471727) in certain patients with advanced cancers associated with expression of DLL3. The study is also evaluating MK-6070 in combination with atezolizumab in certain patients with SCLC. In March 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug Designation to MK-6070 for the treatment of SCLC.
Additional pipeline candidates include HPN217, a T-cell engager targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), currently in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, and several preclinical stage candidates, including HPN601, a conditionally activated targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) for the treatment of certain patients with EpCAM expressing tumors.
Transaction details
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Merck, through a subsidiary, has acquired all outstanding shares of Harpoon. As previously disclosed, this transaction is being accounted for as an asset acquisition. Merck is recording a non-tax deductible charge to R&D expense of approximately $650 million. The impact of the transaction on expected full-year non-GAAP EPS is approximately $0.26 per share, which was included in Merck’s full-year 2024 financial outlook issued on February 1, 2024.
Merck’s focus on cancer
Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck, the potential to bring new hope to people with cancer drives our purpose and supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. As part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the potential of immuno-oncology with one of the largest development programs in the industry across more than 30 tumor types. We also continue to strengthen our portfolio through strategic acquisitions and are prioritizing the development of several promising oncology candidates with the potential to improve the treatment of advanced cancers. For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit https://www.merckclinicaltrials.com/.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expects to convene a meeting of the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee (PCNS) to discuss the Phase 3 TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 trial, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of donanemab in early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease.
The FDA has informed Lilly it wants to further understand topics related to evaluating the safety and efficacy of donanemab, including the safety results in donanemab-treated patients and the efficacy implications of the unique trial design of the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 study, including its limitedduration dosing regimen that allowed patients to complete treatment based on an assessment of amyloid plaque and the inclusion of participants based on tau levels.
The date of the advisory committee meeting for donanemab has yet to be set by the FDA, and, as a result, the timing of expected FDA action on donanemab will be delayed beyond the first quarter of 2024. While it is unusual for an advisory committee to occur after the anticipated FDA action date, the advisory committee meeting for donanemab follows similar meetings for the two other amyloid plaque-targeting therapies the FDA has approved.
"We are confident in donanemab's potential to offer very meaningful benefits to people with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease. It was unexpected to learn the FDA will convene an advisory committee at this stage in the review process, but we look forward to the opportunity to further present the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 results and put donanemab's strong efficacy in the context of safety. We will work with the FDA and the stakeholders in the community to make that presentation and answer all questions," said Anne White, executive vice president of Eli Lilly and Company, and president of Lilly Neuroscience.
TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 is a Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of donanemab in participants ages 60-85 years with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (MCI or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease) with the presence of confirmed Alzheimer's disease neuropathology. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and fatal disease that in its early symptomatic stages affects 6-7.5 million Americans. The trial enrolled 1,736 participants, across eight countries, selected based on cognitive assessments in conjunction with amyloid plaque imaging and tau staging by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.
Compared to participants in similar trials of other amyloid plaque-targeting therapies, the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 participants were more progressed in their disease. All groups of trial participants, regardless of tau level, benefited from treatment with donanemab, with patients in earlier stages of the disease experiencing the strongest results. Donanemab also demonstrated clinical benefits using a limited-duration treatment regimen, with nearly half of clinical trial participants completing their course of treatment in six or 12 months. The key risk associated with donanemab is amyloid related imaging abnormalities, or ARIA, which can be serious and life-threatening. Other most commonly reported risks include infusion-related reactions, headache and nausea.
The Phase 3 TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 study results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Lilly continues to study donanemab in multiple clinical trials.
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new indication for use for Wegovy (semaglutide) injection to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight. Wegovy should be used in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
“Wegovy is now the first weight loss medication to also be approved to help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight,” said John Sharretts, M.D., director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “This patient population has a higher risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke. Providing a treatment option that is proven to lower this cardiovascular risk is a major advance for public health.”
Obesity or overweight affect approximately 70% of American adults. Obesity and overweight are serious health issues that increase the risk for premature death and a variety of health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Therefore, Wegovy should not be used in combination with other semaglutide-containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Wegovy’s efficacy and safety for this new indication were studied in a multi-national, multi-center, placebo-controlled double-blind trial that randomly assigned over 17,600 participants to receive either Wegovy or placebo. Participants in both groups also received standard-of-care medical treatment (e.g., management of blood pressure and cholesterol) and healthy lifestyle counseling (including diet and physical activity). Wegovy significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke), which occurred in 6.5% of participants who received Wegovy compared to 8% of participants who received placebo.
The prescribing information for Wegovy contains a boxed warning to inform health care professionals and patients about the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Because of this risk, Wegovy should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with a rare condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Wegovy should not be used in patients with a history of a severe allergic reaction to semaglutide or to any of the other ingredients. Patients should stop Wegovy immediately and seek medical help if a severe allergic reaction is suspected.
Wegovy also contains warnings for inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallbladder problems (including gallstones), low blood sugar, acute kidney injury, hypersensitivity reactions, diabetic retinopathy (damage to the eye's retina), increased heart rate and suicidal behavior or thinking. Patients should discuss with their health care provider if they have symptoms of pancreatitis or gallstones. If Wegovy is used with insulin or with a medication that causes insulin secretion, patients should speak to their health care provider about the risk of low blood sugar. Healthcare professionals should monitor patients for kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy and depression or suicidal behaviors or thoughts.
The most common side effects of Wegovy include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal (stomach) pain, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia (indigestion), dizziness, abdominal distension, eructation (belching), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with diabetes, flatulence (gas buildup) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn).
Wegovy received Priority Review designation for this indication.
The FDA granted the approval to Novo Nordisk A/S.
Wegovy is also approved to reduce excess weight and maintain weight reduction long term in certain adults with obesity or overweight and certain children with obesity, for use in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
A member of Cardinal Health’s executive leadership team have been named to Reuters’ Trailblazing Women lists, announced today to coincide with International Women’s Day. These lists recognize women who have made significant contributions to their fields.
Debbie Weitzman, CEO of our Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions Segment, is included among Reuters’ 20 Trailblazing Women in Healthcare.
Debbie Weitzman, CEO, Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions Segment
Weitzman has a long track record of breaking barriers, including becoming the first woman to hold a CEO position at Cardinal Health. She is responsible for driving the growth and impact of Cardinal Health’s Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions Segment.
Recently, she has spearheaded the creation and launch of Navista Network, a new offering that will provide community oncology practices with the tools they need to remain independent and better serve their patients. In addition, she has led and championed a variety of programs and solutions that empower pharmacists to improve their patients’ medication adherence, which is directly connected to better health outcomes in older adults and those with multiple chronic conditions.
Weitzman also serves as executive sponsor of the Women’s Impact Network, an employee resource group at Cardinal Health, and seeks to advance goals for gender representation, engagement, equity and allyship.
“I believe in the power of sponsorship, and I hope that women who have been successful will pay it forward to help other women break down barriers and consider new opportunities. Putting your own credibility on the line to vouch for another woman is a powerful endorsement.”
During her 19-year career with Cardinal Health, Weitzman has served in many leadership roles across sales and distribution operations, most recently as president, Pharmaceutical Distribution and The Medicine Shoppe International, Inc., leading the company’s distribution efforts to thousands of pharmacies. She also previously served as the SVP and general manager of Cardinal Health Puerto Rico.
Weitzman serves on the Board of Directors for the Healthcare Distribution Alliance. She also serves as a director on the Board of Outcomes™ and as an independent director for Filtration Group. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Dartmouth College and a master’s degree from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
FRANKLIN, TN - Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CYH) (CHS) will become the first national healthcare system to purchase select pharmaceutical supplies from Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (Cost Plus Drugs) as part of a new, collaborative relationship that promises to bring high-quality, lower cost drugs into the hospital setting.
The onset of the partnership coincides with the opening of a state-of-the-art, 22,000-square-foot, fill and finish drug manufacturing plant, owned and operated by Cost Plus Drugs, in Dallas, Texas. The plant is equipped with aseptic robotic filling lines that produce lifesaving injectable medications.
Initially, CHS-affiliated hospitals in Texas and Pennsylvania will purchase pharmaceuticals such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, drugs that are often used to treat life threatening conditions and serious illnesses, especially in emergency departments and intensive care units. The Food and Drug Administration includes epinephrine on its list of current drug shortages due to increased demand and manufacturing delays.
CHS and Cost Plus Drugs will work collaboratively to address critically important issues related to drug supply in the hospital setting, including:
- Rising costs of pharmaceuticals – Cost Plus Drugs is committed to supplying drugs at a lower price point with minimal mark-up, which helps hospitals manage inflationary pressures as the cost of providing patient care continues to climb.
- Drug shortages – Cost Plus Drugs is focused on manufacturing drugs that are often in limited supply, threatening patient treatment and outcomes when shortages occur. CHS and Cost Plus Drugs are working together to identify, prepare for, and mitigate potential future drug shortages in the hospital setting.
- Pharmaceutical waste – Cost Plus Drugs offers CHS-affiliated hospitals more flexible ordering opportunities, including alternative vial sizes for drug administration, which can reduce waste and help hospitals order and maintain drug supplies in quantities that are most efficient for their unique needs and the specific services they offer.
- Patient safety and medication error prevention – Because Cost Plus Drugs will provide drugs in vial sizes that many other drug manufacturers won’t offer, there is less potential for dosage errors when drugs must be measured prior to administration at the bedside.
“There are many opportunities for innovation in the healthcare industry, including rethinking, and even disrupting, the way providers purchase products and services,” said Lynn Simon, MD, President of Healthcare Innovation and Chief Medical Officer at Community Health Systems. “Our relationship with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company has the potential to generate significant advantages for our affiliated hospitals and for other forward-looking hospital organizations that also want to reduce costs, reduce waste, avoid drug shortages, and improve patient care.”
With a footprint of more than 70-acute care hospitals and hundreds of other care locations, including ambulatory surgery centers, freestanding ERs, and physician practices, CHS and Cost Plus Drugs expect to scale the partnership in numerous and meaningful ways.
“Community Health Systems has stepped forward to consider important issues related to drug supply, drug costs, patient care and outcomes,” said Alex Oshmyansky, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. “This partnership has the potential to shine a light on all of the ways Cost Plus Drugs can work with like-minded providers to create a better approach to drug delivery in hospitals and in multiple care delivery environments.”
Commenting on the strategic partnership, Mark Cuban said, "We are excited to start shipping our first sterile injectables from our Cost Plus Factory. Our mission is to end drug shortages and this is just the first step. Our partnership with CHS will give them access to epinephrine and norepinephrine at a transparent cost plus price. This is the start of what we know will be an amazing partnership that will reduce drug shortages and drug costs and enhance the care CHS hospitals provide for their patients."
URBANA, IL - A new CarleRx pharmacy location is officially open at Carle Foundation Hospital. This location expands access to pharmacy resources and extends the holistic healthcare experience for patients.
“We’re proud to be extending CarleRx’s services with our newest location here at Carle Foundation Hospital,” said Linda Fred, Vice President, Pharmacy Services, at the March 4 ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening. “This CarleRx is a locally-owned option for the community, modeled after our first location at Carle Champaign on Curtis. We can’t wait to offer this added support for our patients and bring more access to the region.”
The CarleRx at Carle Foundation Hospital will be staffed with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to meet the level of demand anticipated for this new location. Patients who regularly receive care at the hospital now have an on-site location to pick up their prescriptions. Patients can also receive help with questions they may have about new or current prescriptions after an appointment.
Carle Health team members will also have the convenience of picking up prescriptions before or after their shift without having to leave the campus.
The CarleRx team will continue to listen to community needs and develop the best methods of providing services to patients as the pharmaceutical landscape continues to change.
“We know there have been some challenges in recent months with access to retail pharmacy support. A new location for patients is another way Carle can be there for those we serve at every point of their healthcare journey,” Fred said.
The CarleRx pharmacy, the Director of Retail Pharmacy Operations, Katie Koch, and Manager of Pharmacy Retail, Lauren Klemp joined Linda Fred to cut the ribbon and official open the new location.
“A big thank you to those who have assisted in making this space,” said Fred. “Our pharmacy team, and to Nick Crompton, our Vice President of Facilities and Construction Services and his team who did a great job of refurbishing the space.”
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a half-hour closure between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Community members receiving their prescriptions from CarleRx can also visit the CarleRx location at Carle Champaign on Curtis. This location, 1701 W. Curtis Rd, Champaign, is a full-service pharmacy that is open until midnight seven days a week with drive-thru capabilities.
To contact CarleRx, patients can call (217) 326-5500. For more information, visit Carle.org.