Arthur Allen

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SHUTTERSTOCK

The drug company that prospered without creating any drugs

As state and federal governments grapple with reining in prescription drug prices, one company’s approach shows how difficult this may be

Apr 13, 2023

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U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont speaking at a town meeting at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 18, 2015. | GAGE SKIDMORE/CC BY-SA 2.0

Sen. Sanders shows fire, seeks modest goals, in his debut drug hearing as health chair

With little authority over drug prices, the platform Sanders commands is essentially a bully pulpit

Mar 28, 2023

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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