Trending News Today: Report Shows Underinsured Rate on the Rise

Sanofi SA and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals announced they are going to reduce the US list price for their cholesterol drug Praluent by 60%, Reuters reported. According to the article, the new list price for Praluent will be $5850 per year, which matches the price of Amgen’s competing PCSK9 inhibitor Repatha. The companies said they expect the lower-priced Praluent to be available for pharmacies in March, the article reported.

A recent report found that the uninsured rate remains unchanged from before President Donald Trump took office but more people are underinsured, The American Journal of Managed Care reported. According to the article, the Biennial Health Insurance Survey examined the extent and quality of coverage for working-age adults. The results showed that among those with insurance for a full year, 29% were uninsured in 2018, up from 23% in 2014, the article reported.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, is questioning whether electronic cigarette maker Juul and its partner Altria are committed to combatting underage vaping, The Associated Press reported. According to the article, Dr Gottlieb called for a joint meeting to discuss what he calls “inconsistent” statements from the companies. Juul previously shut down its social media accounts and pulled several of its fruit and candy flavors from retail stores, however, Dr Gottlieb said he doubts youth vaping will decline this year, the article reported.