Read today’s Kaiser Health News
In other news:
Supreme Court lets Trump administration cut $783M of funding in anti-DEI push: The high court majority lifted a judge’s order blocking $783 million worth of cuts made by the National Institutes of Health to align with Republican President Donald Trump’s priorities. The high court did keep Trump administration guidance on future funding blocked, however.
The court split 5-4 on the decision. Chief Justice John Roberts was along those who would have kept the cuts blocked, along with the court’s three liberals.
About health insurance/insurers
Court approves Blue Cross' $2.8B antitrust deal with providers: A federal judge has approved the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s $2.8 billion agreement with numerous healthcare providers to settle antitrust allegations and reform the operations of its 33 member companies.
About pharma
CVS Caremark ordered to pay $290M in false claims suit: A federal judge has ordered CVS Caremark to pay nearly $290 million in damages after determining the pharmacy benefit manager overbilled Medicare for prescription drugs…
Jazz inks $1B+ deal for Saniona's preclinical epilepsy candidate: fter dedicating much of its recent R&D efforts to oncology, Jazz Pharmaceuticals recommitted itself to neurology on Wednesday by licensing global, exclusive rights to Saniona's preclinical epilepsy candidate SAN2355.
Jazz will shell out $42.5 million upfront and is on the hook for $192.5 million in development and regulatory milestones, including a $7.5 million payment due at the launch of a Phase I study for SAN2355. Saniona is also eligible for up to $800 million in commercial milestones, plus tiered royalties ranging from mid-single digits to low-double digits.
About healthcare IT
States crack down on AI for behavioral health care: Good review with examples.