A bipartisan group of lawmakers is preparing to introduce legislation aimed at dismantling pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which have faced scrutiny from Congress and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
The proposed bill would require companies that own health insurers or PBMs to divest their pharmacy businesses within three years. This legislation is a response to concerns about the revenue models of these companies, which prioritize profit over patient care. If passed, it would be the most significant intervention into the operations of PBMs to date. However, the bill is unlikely to become law this year, and proponents are focusing on building support for the next legislative session.
In a groundbreaking move, Eli Lilly is exploring the potential of its GLP-1 medications as treatments for alcohol and drug addiction. This makes Lilly the first major pharmaceutical company to investigate the use of these obesity treatments in the context of addiction. Research suggests that GLP-1 drugs not only reduce food cravings but may also diminish the desire for other substances.
Novo Nordisk is also conducting a trial on the effects of GLP-1 drugs on alcohol-related liver disease and alcohol consumption. The broader applications of GLP-1 medications could reshape treatment paradigms and market dynamics in the pharmaceutical sector. The outcomes of Lilly's studies will be closely monitored by stakeholders in the healthcare and financial sectors.