In May, the Trump administration published an executive order requiring drug companies to bring prices in line with those paid by other developed nations, otherwise known as Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing. Although the June 11 deadline has come and gone, no details have been released as to whether drug companies have opted to negotiate or if the government will implement any enforcement action.
Impact of Travel Ban, J-1 Visa Interview Pause on Rheumatology
A temporary suspension of new interviews for J-1 visas and an ongoing travel ban preventing nationals of 12 countries from entering the U.S. are likely to have a range of impacts on graduate medical training, the rheumatology workforce and research collaborations.
ACR Meets with Trump Administration to Discuss 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
Issues discussed at a meeting with the Office of Management & Budget included increasing Medicare reimbursement for physicians, telemedicine permanence, removing G2211 restrictions, adequate reimbursement for therapies and more flexibility for chemotherapy administration codes. The proposed rule is currently under review by the OMB, which is usually the last step prior to releasing publicly for stakeholder review and comment.
Arkansas Leads the Nation with Landmark Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform
Signed into law in April, the legislation will ban direct and indirect PBM ownership of pharmacies, effective Jan. 1, 2026. It addresses longstanding concerns about conflicts of interest, market consolidation and patient access created by vertically integrated PBM pharmacy models.
CMS Announces Changes to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments Fee Coupons & Certificates
Clinical researchers who perform laboratory testing are required to switch to email notifications before March 1, 2026, to continue receiving fee coupons and certificates. After that date, CLIA paper fee coupons and certificates will no longer be available.
Positive Week 12 Results for Rosnilimab in Patients with RA
Early study results demonstrate that rosnilimab may be safe and effective for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, reducing the signs and symptoms of RA by week 12 and achieving important primary and secondary study end points.
Biosimilar Update: 2025 Brings More FDA Approvals & Interchangeability
Here is a brief recap of the latest FDA-approved biosimilar agents, highlighting their reference products and interchangeability.
FDA Approves Upadacitinib for GCA
Supported by data in patients with new-onset and relapsing giant cell arteritis (GCA), the FDA approved upadacitinib for the treatment of adults with GCA.
My Reflections on Research Cuts
For decades, the U.S. has served as a beacon to the international scientific community. With drastic cuts to scientific investment proposed and implemented, the U.S. stands to lose not only immigrants considering careers in research, but also homegrown scientists. Christina Downey, MD, reflects on the cuts and invites members to be part of the solution.
The ACR Calls on CMS, OMB to Reduce Burdensome Healthcare Regulations
In response to agency requests for feedback on how to streamline regulations and reduce administrative burden on Medicare program stakeholders and small business owners, the ACR called for the removal of certain regulations related to prior authorization, pharmacy benefit managers and Medicare Part B and Part D access.