GPhA Buzz August 28, 2025
FTC Chairman Visits Georgia Pharmacies
Representative Buddy Carter brought FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson along on visits to local independent pharmacies Tuesday of this week to discuss the impact of PBMs on pharmacy owners and their patients in Georgia.
The FTC is currently involved in a lawsuit against the three biggest PBMs -- Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx -- over inflated prices of insulin.
Mississippi Declares Public Health Emergency
Our neighbor to the west, Mississippi, has seen such a drastic increase in infant mortality rates that they recently declared a public health emergency. In the last decade, more than 3,500 babies have died before their first birthday. That's a rate of 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Health officials say the first step to combatting this increase in infant mortality is elevating and improving maternal health across the state. That's a daunting task, as currently 50% of counties in the state are in "maternal care deserts," or areas without hospitals or birth centers offering obstetric care and/or without obstetric providers.
FDA Expands Repatha Use
Evolocumab, or Repatha, got the go-ahead from the FDA for use in a bigger pool of cardiovascular patients, with or without a previous history of cardiovascular disease.
It started as an LDL lowering drug in 2015, expanded to cardiovascular event prevention in patients with existing cardiovascular disease, and is now approved for all adults at an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Common Cold Virus Can Protect Against COVID
That annoying common cold virus, rhinovirus, might offer some (temporary) protection against the COVID-19 virus, especially in children.
New research published in the Journal of Infections Diseases looked at the link between rhinovirus infection and a subsequent COVID infection, and showed that those with recent colds were less likely to pick up the COVID virus. Researchers believe the rhinovirus triggers a particularly effective interferon response in the airways, preventing COVID from taking hold.
It's hoped that this new information could lead to ways to reduce the severity of COVID-19 infections.
OTC Painkillers Might Contribute to Antibiotic Resistance
Also from our friends at ScienceDaily, a new study shows that common painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen could be a key part of the increase in antibiotic resistance.
Alone, they contribute to the problem. Together, they're really damaging to the system, creating an increase in bacterial mutations that lead to a resistance to antibiotics. It's especially problematic when looking at an older population who likely take both medications and are at an increased risk of infection.
Oral GLP-1 from Lilly Shows Promise
Just out of phase 3 trials, Lilly's orfoglipron, an oral GLP-1, helped patients with Type 2 diabetes lose an average of 23 pounds and a reduction in A1C levels.
The study followed a once-daily 36mg dose taken without food or water. It's all part of the race to get an oral GLP-1 to market.
Drug Maker Acquires Psychedelic Compound in $1B Deal
This week AbbVie announced the acquisition of Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals' drug compound Bretisilocin, a psychedelic compound designed to treat major depressive disorder. It marks another foray into psychedelics by a major drug company.
The deal is reportedly worth $1.2 billion. According to a press release from AbbVie, the compound is designed to improve the outcomes of treatment for depression while limiting the length of the psychoactive experience. So, better treatment, shorter trip.
ACOG Says Yes to Vaccines for Expectant Mothers
Late last week, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology released updated guidance on vaccines during pregnancy, recommending all pregnant women be immunized fully against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
Specifically, ACOG recommends patients receive an updated COVID-19 booster at any point between planning to get pregnant and post-pregnancy/lactation; a flu shot as soon as available during any trimester of pregnancy; and an RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks gestation. If the timing is right, all three can be administered at the same time.
GA Department of Health Turning Challenge Into Opportunity
Last week, the Georgia DPH met to discuss the potential for federal funding cuts and what that might mean to the health of Georgians.
According to state Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey, it's a chance to take a closer look at Georgia's spending and begin to focus on shifting priorities in public health. Dr. Toomey also noted it's not the first time Georgia has had to work with changing federal funding.
“As we’re seeing these changes at the federal level, it’s giving us an opportunity to look at what is important for us, because we often apply for grants that may or may not have been relevant,” she said. “They weren’t developed with our state specifically in mind, with our data, and we were following guidelines that were universal across every state,” Toomey said.The full article can be found here.
