Highlights of the important and the interesting from the world of healthcare:
The end of health insurance M&A? Maybe not the end, but clearing regulatory hurdles likely will become much more difficult. The Justice Department is looking to step up antitrust enforcement of health insurance mergers, because much of the health reform law’s success depends on a competitive (or at least somewhat competitive) insurance market. The goals of reform “cannot be achieved” if insurer mergers reduce competition, or if big companies use their market clout to keep out upstarts, the agency’s antitrust chief said. With most markets dominated by one or two big health insurers, one could argue that it’s a little late to finally start worrying about oligopolies.
Healthcare’s biggest companies fail at Twitter: The blog Twarketing examines and grades the Fortune 100 companies on their Twitter performance, or lack thereof. A glance at the top healthcare companies’ grades shows that they could use a little help when it comes to “twarketing.” By my count, there are three healthcare companies in the top 20–McKesson, Cardinal Health and CVS Caremark. Cardinal and CVS each get an F for having no Twitter presence, while McKesson has a page and gets a D. At least Wal-Mart got an A.
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Soda tax a tough sell: State and municipal governments across the country are struggling to balance budgets after seeing revenues drop due to the recession. America is an increasingly obese nation that spends billions each year to fight diseases associated with our unhealthy lifestyles. Add these two seemingly disparate facts together, and it seems like a perfect motivator to start taxing soft drinks. Except that lawmakers don’t seem too interested.
From PM to VC: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is now a venture capitalist. Or at least he’s signed on to advise Khosla Ventures, which focuses on IT and cleantech. “I am increasingly and crucially aware of the fact that the answer to these twin challenges–climate change and energy security–lies in developing the technological solutions of the future,” Blair said. Blair becomes to Khosla what Al Gore has been to Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
AMA seeing red: The American Medical Association has filed a last-minute lawsuit against the federal government, hoping to prevent the feds’ plan to extend identity-theft regulations to physicians. The AMA says the so-called “Red Flags Rules” will create unnecessary administrative burdens on physician practices. Meanwhile, the AMA’s membership declined 3.5 percent last year, as many ex-members were no doubt angry at the group’s support of health reform.
Devices drive costs: It doesn’t exactly qualify as a shocker, but it’s worth remembering that newer medical devices are a major reason why heart care costs are rising dramatically, according to a University of Pennsylvania study. It’s also worth remembering that high-priced devices often don’t improve health and merely contribute to the medical arms race.
A Personalized Approach to Medication Nonadherence
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
Genzyme fined $175 million: Genzyme Corp. has agreed to pay a $175 million penalty to the FDA in connection with a series of problems at a Massachusetts manufacturing plant. In November, the FDA says it found tiny particles of trash in drugs made by Genzyme, including steel, rubber and fiber.
Dealflow: Seattle’s Cell Therapeutics takes in $21 million in a stock sale, weeks after its cancer drug was rejected by the FDA; Rhode Island-based Biomedical Structures gets $3.75 million; Home healthcare firm Gentiva Health Services will buy hospice company Odyssey HealthCare for $912 million; Massachusetts-based T2 Biosystems gets $15 million.
Photo from flickr user AndyRob
