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STAT+: ‘Skinny labels’ on generic medicines saved Medicare $15 billion over a recent six-year period

STAT

A controversial provision of a federal law designed to speed copycat drugs to market and foster competition saved Medicare Part D nearly $15 billion from 2015 to 2021 on just 15 medicines during that period, according to a new analysis.

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STAT+: A sweeping new lawsuit against J&J asks: Are employers liable if they overpay for drugs?

STAT

In one example, J&J allegedly paid its PBM more than $10,000 for a single 90-day prescription of teriflunomide, a generic medicine for multiple sclerosis, when that same 90-day prescription could be purchased for as little as $30 elsewhere without insurance, according to the lawsuit.

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STAT+: Drugmakers rely on ‘use codes’ to vastly expand the nature of their patent claims, STAT analysis shows

STAT

patent system by the pharmaceutical industry, moves by some drugmakers to expand their patent claims appear to be delaying the arrival of lower-cost generic medicines to the marketplace, according to a STAT analysis.  Amid debate over potential abuse of the U.S.

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Opinion: I went on a mind-boggling journey to get my son’s ADHD medication covered by insurance — twice

STAT

As a former editor for diabetes publications, I knew that insurance companies regularly switched people from one brand of insulin to another, or from a name brand of insulin to a generic. However, I had used generic medicine for my blood pressure without a problem, so I hoped for the best with this switch.

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STAT+: U.S. Patent Office pulls controversial rule to curb pharma patent abuse

STAT

Specifically, the proposed rule was crafted to stem the use of so-called patent thickets , which are wielded by drug companies to delay the arrival of lower-cost generic medicines in the marketplace.

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STAT+: Under pressure to thwart pharma patent abuse, the PTO proposes a new rule. But will it fly?

STAT

Patent and Trademark Office has proposed a new rule designed to stem the use of so-called patent thickets , which are wielded by pharmaceutical companies to delay the arrival of lower-cost generic medicines in the marketplace.

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STAT+: Many costly generic drugs are unavailable at Amazon, Cuban, and other alternative pharmacies

STAT

A growing number of alternative pharmacies — such as those run by Costco, Amazon, and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs — may be increasingly popular with American consumers, but a new analysis finds many of the most expensive generic medicines are unavailable, prices vary widely, and savings can be modest.