Top in endocrinology: Medicare can cover semaglutide; FDA OKs new insulin delivery system
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Semaglutide can be covered under Medicare Part D plans to treat CVD in adults with overweight or obesity, based on new guidelines from CMS.
Drugs for anorexia, weight loss and weight gain are prohibited from coverage under Medicare Part D, but since semaglutide — marketed as Wegovy (Novo Nordisk) — received FDA approval earlier this month for the prevention of cardiovascular events, CMS updated its guidance.
“With the recent change in the FDA-approved use for [semaglutide], current Medicare Part D and Medicaid coverage rules apply,” a CMS spokesperson told Healio. “To ensure Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plans have the flexibility to provide enrollees access to Part D drugs that reflect the latest developments and clinical guidelines, Part D plans may add drugs to their formularies, remove restrictions or move drugs to lower cost share tiers at any time during the plan year.”
It was the top story in endocrinology last week.
In another top story, the FDA granted 510(k) clearance to Sequel Med Tech’s twiist automated insulin delivery system for use in people aged 6 years and older with type 1 diabetes. The device continuously monitors glucose levels and automatically adjusts insulin levels within micro-doses.
Read these and more top stories in endocrinology below:
Medicare to cover semaglutide for CV prevention for adults with overweight and obesity
Medicare Part D plans can begin to cover semaglutide to lower risk for cardiovascular events among adults with overweight or obesity and preexisting CVD, according to new guidance from CMS. Read more.
FDA clears automated insulin delivery system for children and adults with type 1 diabetes
The FDA granted 510(k) clearance for an automated insulin delivery system that can measure the volume and flow of insulin within every micro-dose, according to an industry press release. Read more.
Machine learning AI may enhance automated insulin delivery for type 1 diabetes
An automated insulin delivery system controlled by an artificial intelligence machine learning model may perform just as well as a system using a traditional equation-based insulin dosing algorithm, according to a speaker. Read more.
Once-weekly basal insulin noninferior to once-daily insulin for type 1, type 2 diabetes
A once-weekly basal insulin conferred similar changes in HbA1c and time in range as once-daily insulin glargine among adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in three phase 2 trials, according to a speaker. Read more.
Having two parents with obesity increases odds sixfold for obesity during adulthood
Children who have two parents with obesity are six times more likely to develop obesity as adults than those who have two parents with normal weight, according to findings that will be presented at the European Congress on Obesity. Read more.