Pharmacy

GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy, Mounjaro and Ozempic helped drive a 9% year-over-year increase in U.S. prescription dispensing revenue, which reached $683 billion in 2024.  A separate report found that among nonspecialty medications, there was a 6.3% increase in net…

In 2024, pharmacies dispensed an estimated $265 billion in specialty medications — an 8% increase from the year prior, according to Drug Channels.  Compared to 2023, BrightSpring Health Services increased its specialty prescription revenue 42%, and PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy saw…

A federal judge in Texas has upheld the FDA’s decision to remove GLP-1 drugs, including Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, from its drug shortage list, rejecting a bid by compounding pharmacies to allow them to continue making copies of the…

The median salary for hospital pharmacists in 2024 was $149,240, a 3.44% increase from $144,270, the 2023 average, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2024, hospitals employed 28% of the nation’s pharmacists and paid them the…

A new report from Vizient highlighted the 10 drug shortages placing the most pressure on U.S. hospitals, with the injectable lorazepam topping the list for both general and pediatric facilities.  The following are the top 10 high-impact drug shortages reported…

The FDA has approved Gilead Sciences’ lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable medication to prevent HIV, making it the first drug approved for adults and adolescents who are at risk.  The FDA’s approval is based on data from a Phase 3 trial…

Hospital labor costs related to drug shortage management have significantly increased, from $359 million in 2019 to $894 million in 2024 — a nearly 150% increase, according to a Vizient report published June 17.  Vizient surveyed 132 of its clients…

The FDA has delayed its decision to approve a new treatment for hereditary angioedema, citing a heavy workload and limited resources.  The drug, sebetralstat, developed by Kalvista Pharmaceuticals, was scheduled for a decision by June 17 under the Prescription Drug…

Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Co. and virtual care provider 9amHealth have partnered to offer obesity medications through a new program targeting self-insured employers.  Under the partnership, 9amHealth will use low-cost oral obesity medications sourced from Cost Plus Drugs alongside…

The FDA is launching a National Priority Voucher program to accelerate reviews of certain new drug applications. The agency will distribute a limited number of vouchers in the program’s first year to drugmakers “aligned with U.S. national priorities,” according to…