On July 1, Aetna launched its new Combined Benefit Management Drug List, effectively moving romosozumab-aqqg (Evenity) and infliximab (Remicade) to pharmacy-only coverage for most fully insured commercial plans. The ACR has contacted Aetna leaders to raise concerns about patient access to these therapies.
Latest News
Doctoring Differently, Part 1
Dr. Samantha Shapiro recounts her enthusiastic and ambitious early career in rheumatology—a path that culminated in burnout and a brave choice with new opportunities.
Air Pollution May Increase the Risk of RA & RA-Associated ILD
Exposure to air pollution, such as high levels of particulate matter from fire smoke and fossil fuel-related nitrogen oxides, may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and RA-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD), according to Kronzer et al. Their findings highlight the need for improved monitoring of air pollutants and suggest that addressing air pollution may help prevent RA and RA-associated ILD.
ACR-Led Resolutions Supporting Research Funding, Biosimilars Access Advance at Annual AMA House of Delegates Meeting
An ACR-led resolution that calls for the protection of NIH funding and the ability to negotiate indirect costs will become AMA policy, along with several other resolutions supported by the ACR.
Executive Order Ties U.S. Drug Prices to Lowest Global Rates
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.
