Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical prices are expected to rise by 3.35% in 2026, according to Vizient’s latest Spend Management Outlook report, released in July.  The report found that price pressures are easing in certain areas due to biosimilar competition, especially with respect to…

Intermountain Health’s specialty pharmacy is partnering with Foundation Health to automate patient communications, according to a July 29 news release.  In an initial six-month program, Foundation Health’s PAIGE AI platform will automate secure messages and voice communications — including patient…

Drug expenses for hospitals continue to soar as inflation, tariffs and more hit the pharmaceutical industry, according to Strata’s “Monthly Healthcare Industry Financial Benchmarks.” The healthcare data firm surveyed leaders from more than 1,850 hospitals across the U.S. to compile…

Elie Bahou, PharmD, senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer at Renton, Wash.-based Providence, stepped down from his role July 11, according to a July 7 LinkedIn post.  In the post, Dr. Bahou reflected on his eight years with the…

The FDA’s top vaccine and gene therapy official, Vinay Prasad, MD, has resigned following an online campaign led by Laura Loomer, a right-wing influencer who targeted him over drug approval decisions, The New York Times reported July 29.  Over the…

More than two decades ago, St. Louis-based Ascension realized a troubling trend: While many patients could not afford basic medications, pharmacies were discarding unused drugs as they neared expiration dates.  In the wake of this recognition, the health system partnered…

A trade deal between the U.S. and the European Union will impose a 15% tariff on imported medications from Europe, setting the stage for potential cost increases for pharmaceuticals, The New York Times reported July 29.  Here are four notes:  

At its annual conference, the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council recognized the inaugural group of pharmacy technician educators to gain certification in the field.  The PTEC and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board launched the certification in March 2025, marking “the first…

Mail-order pharmacies are becoming increasingly attractive to customers as satisfaction with chain drug stores continues to fall behind, according to J.D. Power’s 17th annual U.S. Pharmacy Study, released July 29.  To conduct the study, J.D. Power surveyed 14,700 pharmacy customers…

A federal judge has blocked a new Arkansas law that would have barred pharmacy benefit managers from owning or operating pharmacies in the state.  On July 28, U.S. District Judge Brian Miller granted a preliminary injunction preventing Arkansas Act 624…