Arthur Allen

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MOHAMED HASSAN/PIXABAY

Why does insulin cost so much? Big Pharma isn’t the only player driving prices

CVS Health, UnitedHealthcare and Cigna’s pharmacy benefit managers have aggressively played the insulin makers off one another, fattening their own accounts

Mar 9, 2023

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Elizabeth Fisher Smith sits with husband Matt and dogs Caspian and Gretl at the table where she spends hours every day preparing IV hydration and nutrition, on which she depends to survive. | ARTHUR ALLEN/KHN

CVS and Optum panicked thousands of their sickest patients

Home and outpatient infusions are a growing business in the United States, but the less profitable parts of the business — as well as the vulnerable patients they serve — are at serious risk.

Feb 7, 2023

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SHUTTERSTOCK

A technicality could keep RSV shots from kids in need

Immunizations against the respiratory syncytial virus are nearing the market, but a glitch in congressional language may make it difficult to allow children from low-income families to get it.

Feb 7, 2023

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SHUTTERSTOCK

FDA experts still puzzled over who should get which COVID shots and when

A panel of experts disagreed with the FDA’s proposal that everyone get at least one shot a year, saying more information was needed.

Jan 29, 2023

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JÁNOS KOROM/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Pfizer’s COVID Cash Powers A ‘Marketing Machine’ On The Hunt For New Supernovas

Pfizer is sinking billions in profits from COVID-19 into developing and marketing potential new treatment blockbusters for conditions like migraines, sickle cell disease and obesity.

Nov 8, 2022

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THOMAS BREHER/PIXABAY

Pharma-Funded FDA Gets Drugs Out Faster, But Some Work ‘Marginally’ And Most Are Pricey

FDA's accelerated reviews employ hotly debated effectiveness standards and result in drugs that are costly and of marginal benefit.

Oct 2, 2022

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A health care worker unpacks the Pfizer vaccine at Oregon Health & Science University. | OHSU

Federal Vaccine Program Hasn’t Helped Those Whose Lives Were Altered By COVID Shot

A federal program compensates people experiencing vaccine injuries, but not injuries from COVID vaccines — not yet, anyway.

Aug 18, 2021

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FRITZ LIEDTKE/OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY

Not All Experts Are Ready to Vaccinate Kids Against COVID

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to meet on Friday to discuss whether rare instances of a heart disorder merit changing its recommendations for vaccinating teenagers with the Pfizer vaccine.

Jun 17, 2021

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Kristyna Wentz Graff/OPB

To the Bat Cave: In Search of Covid’s Origins, Scientists Reignite Polarizing Debate on Wuhan ‘Lab Leak’

The scientist at the center of the storm can't disprove that the virus resulted from a lab leak in China -- though he doesn't believe it.

May 19, 2021

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A health care worker unpacks the Pfizer vaccine at Oregon Health & Science University. | OHSU

The Case for Donating US COVID Vaccines Overseas

“We need to take care of the problem everywhere to be able to take care of it anywhere,” says Dr. Mark Feinberg, president and CEO of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.

Mar 22, 2021