What We’re Reading: Common Asthma Inhaler Discontinued; AI in Health Care; FDA Approves Omalizumab for Food Allergies

Dispute Over Pricing and Distribution of Asthma Medication

Patients are caught in the crossfires of a dispute between a drug company and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), with no end in sight, according to The Hill. GSK discontinued making fluticasone propionate (Flovent)—the most common asthma inhaler for children—at the start of this year and instead is offering an authorized generic, which many PBMs won't cover. As pharmaceutical companies and PBMs clash over the pricing and distribution of these asthma medications, patients find themselves facing uncertainty and potential disruptions in their treatment plans.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize health care, the FDA's shifting stance on regulating AI-driven medical technologies becomes increasingly pivotal, according to Politico. Amidst the promise of improved diagnostics and treatments, concerns over safety, efficacy, and equitable access underscore the need for a balanced regulatory framework. Furthermore, stakeholders across the health care ecosystem must navigate these complexities to harness AI's full potential while ensuring patient safety and equitable health care outcomes. The FDA plans to ask Congress for new authority to regulate these technologies.

FDA Greenlights Breakthrough Treatment for Food Allergies

The FDA's recent approval of omalizumab (Xolair) for treating food allergies represents a significant advancement in addressing severe allergic reactions, according to NPR. With omalizumab previously approved for asthma and chronic hives, this expansion offers hope to millions of individuals who grapple with potentially life-threatening food allergies. As health care professionals prepare to integrate omalizumab into treatment protocols, patients and advocates anticipate a newfound sense of security and improved quality of life for those at risk of severe allergic reactions.