Health

Eli Lilly and Ro join forces to offer lower price vials of Zepbound: Seeing competitors become business partners may seem surprising, but we detail why the deal makes sense for both parties.

Lawmakers introduce bill requiring vertically integrated insurers to offload their pharmacies: Democrats and Republicans aligning on co-sponsored legislation shows that the public is at its wits’ end with rising prescription drug prices.

Nontraditional healthcare companies will account for one-third of the primary care market by 2030: But some retailers and startups have struggled to make inroads—a cautionary tale for healthcare entrants.

Walgreens discusses sale to private equity firm: The news underscores the immense financial pressure on retail pharmacies. We examine the details of a sale, and why things are even worse for Walgreens than rival CVS.

Consumers feel it’s the US government’s responsibility to ensure health coverage: But a for-profit healthcare system that incentivizes insurers to make coverage decisions based on what’s best for business means it’s unlikely to happen.

Rx advertising surges on linear TV: We examine the top TV programs for drug ads and explore why pharma marketers are still investing in linear TV amid declining viewership.

Public outcry pushed Anthem to backtrack on policy to cap anesthesia coverage: Faced with a reputational crisis, insurers and their PR teams should prioritize a clear and proactive communications shift to attempt to save face.

The pet adoption boom went bust: As the number of new pet owners normalizes, Chewy and Petco are looking to healthcare and services to drive growth.

Hinge Health joins Amazon’s Health Conditions Program: Amazon’s platform will draw attention to Hinge’s services, while encouraging consumers to make related purchases from the e-commerce giant.

Dr. Oz could be investigated for violating FTC influencer marketing guidelines: A consumer advocacy group triggered the investigation. We examine the complaints and explore what this scrutiny means for healthcare influencers.

Patients overspent on GLP-1 meds by $200M in the past year: Lower prices for weight loss drugs are possible, but it’s up to stakeholders in the pharma industry to direct consumers to Rx savings tools and resources.

UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot, consumers react harshly: The social media discourse around Thompson’s death shows that consumers have reached their boiling point with health insurers.

Consumers are shopping online more for health and wellness: We explore which health product categories US consumers are flocking to online and examine how in-store retailers can respond.

Ozempic is becoming cheaper for Medicare beneficiaries: Falling prices are welcome news for seniors’ wallets. But a new proposal to expand access to GLP-1s for Medicare members could threaten the federal health insurance program itself.

Lawmakers criticize HHS plan to regulate healthcare AI: Their position stands in stark contrast to physicians, who could refuse to use the tech if it’s not properly vetted.

Declining revenue, data breaches, and user mistrust jeopardize its future, leaving its vast genetic data trove in limbo as the company struggles to pivot.

US hospitals increase use of robots for surgical procedures: But healthcare marketers must do a better job educating the public on how robotic-assisted surgery works as more folks shop around for the best surgical care.

Social health influencers can change physicians’ prescribing choices: But only if a campaign focuses on certain factors physicians value, like credibility.

Trump’s healthcare picks will look to rein in GLP-1 spending: His selections to run the FDA and HHS aren’t big proponents of widespread GLP-1 use for weight loss. We explore what it could mean for the obesity drug market amid a new administration.

Most US patients want their PCP to ask about mental health: Yet fewer report that this happens. Lack o With a lack of affordable access to mental health treatment in the US, primary care providers could play a key role in identifying behavioral issues earlier.