Top in endocrinology: Price cuts for Medicare Part D drugs; tirzepatide vs. GLP-1s
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Beginning in 2026, prices for 10 drugs will be reduced for Medicare Part D recipients, according to a CMS press release.
“When these lower prices go into effect, people on Medicare will save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription drugs, and Medicare will save $6 billion in the first year alone,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “It’s a relief for the millions of seniors that take these drugs to treat everything from heart failure, blood clots, diabetes, arthritis, Crohn’s disease and more —and it’s a relief for American taxpayers.”
After the initial price reductions in 2026, CMS will continue to publish updated negotiated prices for each medication annually.
It was the top story in endocrinology last week.
In another top story, researchers found that adults with type 2 diabetes who used tirzepatide had a 42% lower risk for all-cause mortality than those prescribed a GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Additionally, researchers reported lower risk for major adverse cardiovascular and kidney events among adults prescribed tirzepatide vs. GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Read these and more top stories in endocrinology below:
Medicare announces price cuts for 10 drugs in first round of drug price negotiations
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced lower Medicare Part D prices for 10 drugs that will take effect in 2026, according to a press release. Read more.
Tirzepatide linked to lower risk for death, adverse CV and kidney outcomes vs. GLP-1s
Adults with type 2 diabetes have lower risks for death and major adverse cardiovascular and kidney events if they use tirzepatide compared with GLP-1 receptor agonists, according to observational data published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.
Adults with type 2 diabetes improve HbA1c, medication use with pharmacist referral
Adults with type 2 diabetes who are referred to a clinical pharmacist are more likely to meet their HbA1c goal and receive appropriate medication management of comorbidities than people receiving usual care, according to a presenter at the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists annual meeting. Read more.
Tandem updates recall of mobile app causing rapid battery depletion of insulin pumps
Tandem Diabetes Care emailed notices to users of version 2.7.1 of the Apple iOS t:connect mobile app warning of possible rapid battery depletion of their insulin pump, according to an FDA press release. Read more.
Palopegteriparatide earns FDA approval for treatment of hypoparathyroidism
A parathyroid hormone prodrug developed to treat hypoparathyroidism received FDA approval, according to an industry press release. Read more.