Why Orphan Drugs May Be Left Out of IRA Negotiations

Why Orphan Drugs May Be Left Out of IRA Negotiations

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Orphan drugs are medications created to prevent, diagnose, and treat rare diseases. According to the National Institutes of Health, rare diseases are those that affect about five in 10,000 people. Because these illnesses affect a relatively small number of people, pharmaceutical companies have not always been willing to spend time manufacturing medications to address them.  Continue reading

Why Rural Pharmacy Closures Mean Higher Medication Costs

Why Rural Pharmacy Closures Mean Higher Medication Costs

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Rural pharmacies are a lifeline for people in remote areas, offering not only timely and convenient access to medications but also the opportunity to speak with a pharmacist if they have questions or concerns. These pharmacies have been hit hard by the shifting economy, leading many to close. In fact, between 2018 and 2023, rural retail pharmacies declined by 5.9% compared to 3.4% in urban areas. Furthermore, according to recent data from a Health Affairs study, over 29% of pharmacies in general closed between 2010 and 2021.

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