About pharma
Physicians criticize remdesivir distribution process: “Physicians are criticizing the government's distribution of remdesivir, Gilead's drug that received emergency authorization from the FDA May 1 to treat COVID-19, saying the government isn't prioritizing the hospitals that need the drug most…
So far, about two dozen hospitals have reportedly been selected by the government to receive remdesivir. But it's unclear how the government is deciding which hospitals get the drug and which part of the government is making the decisions.”
Cholesterol lowering drugs – statins – are linked to improved gut bacteria composition in obese people : Interesting science: ‘Statins are commonly prescribed to reduce risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction and stroke…Besides their cholesterol-lowering effects, statins also tend to appease patients' systemic inflammation levels which in part may be related to a disrupted gut microbiota… statins could potentially modulate the disrupted gut microbiota and linked inflammation in obesity.”
About the public’s health
AP Exclusive: US shelves detailed guide to reopening country: “The 17-page report by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team, titled “Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework,” was researched and written to help faith leaders, business owners, educators and state and local officials as they begin to reopen.
It was supposed to be published last Friday, but agency scientists were told the guidance ‘would never see the light of day,’ according to a CDC official. The official was not authorized to talk to reporters and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.”
About health insurance
Blue states file opening salvo in Supreme Court battle over ACA: With all the COVID-19 news we forget other important healthcare issues are being played out. The Supreme Court is starting to hear arguments over whether the ACA should be repealed in its entirety because the penalty for not being insured is now $0. Also, despite yesterday’s story about AG Barr’s recommendation not to invalidate the entire law, the Trump administration is planning to continue its present course, favored but Republican states’ attorneys general.
UnitedHealth Group to Provide Over $1.5 Billion in Assistance and Premium Support to Customers: United joins other insurers in providing financial relief to members: “UnitedHealth Group will provide more than $1.5 billion in initial assistance, including customer premium credits, to its UnitedHealthcare customers as many people have been unable to access routine or planned care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, UnitedHealthcare has seen a lower volume of medical care being delivered than was anticipated when pricing was initially established.
For UnitedHealthcare commercial fully insured individual and employer customers, credits ranging from 5% to 20% -- depending upon the specific plan -- will be applied to premium billings in June.”