What We're Reading: A New Drug Czar; First Drug for Tardive Dyskinesia; Trump Stays With Healthcare

Tom Marino Expected to Be Next Drug Czar

A Pennsylvania congressman is expected to be the president’s pick to be the next drug czar. While there hasn’t been an official announcement, the head of the Pennsylvania Republican Party said Representative Tom Marino has been nominated to head national drug control policy, reported the AP. Marino, an early supporter of the president, has previously worked on legislation to expand access to treatment for people who suffer from opioid addiction.

First Drug Approved for Movement Disorder

The FDA has approved the first drug to treat tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder caused by prescription drugs for psychiatric and gastrointestinal disorders. The Washington Post reported that no list price has been announced for Ingrezza, which is offered in a once-a-day capsule. The drug from Neurocrine Biosciences is expected to hit the market in May and could quickly face competition—a second drug for tardive dyskinesia, from Teva Pharmaceuticals, is expected to be approved in August.

Trump Still Working on Healthcare

The Trump administration isn’t quite ready to move past healthcare reform. According to Politico, President Donald Trump still wants to pass a healthcare bill before turning his attention to tax reform. However, the president is no longer putting a deadline on when a healthcare bill should pass. Although House Republicans did not have the votes to pass its plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, negotiations are still ongoing, and the House Freedom Caucus may be close to making a deal with House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin.