Joshua Cohen, Contributor

Author's posts

Gradual Progress In Precision Non-Oncology, But Challenges Persist

Gradually progress is being made in precision medicine in the non-oncology space. However, precision non-oncology faces a unique set of challenges.

Troublesome News: Numbers Of Uninsured On The Rise

The numbers of uninsured in the U.S. are rising again. This is a disturbing trend, given that access to healthcare is associated with better health outcomes and a more equitable healthcare system.

Drug Development For Neglected Diseases Has Stagnated

Funding for new drug development targeting neglected diseases is stagnant and insufficient. In the last four years the lack of approvals of new molecular entities and biologics is conspicuous.

Are Orphan Drugs Getting Too Much Attention By Payers And Policymakers?

Success of the Orphan Drug Act has brought with it pushback from payers, policymakers, and legislators. Pushback may be warranted in some instances. But, a case-by-case approach examining the value of orphan products, independent of their orphan status…

What’s Holding Back Market Uptake Of Biosimilars?

Four distinctly American features of the biosimilars market have limited uptake: A slow regulatory process, originator company behavior, lack of therapeutic interchangeability designation, and insufficient system-wide education efforts to overcome phys…

Female Sex Drive Booster Addyi Is Back, But Will Second Time Around Be Different?

Sprout Pharmaceuticals Inc. is relaunching Addyi (flibanserin), the first-ever approved drug for low libido, or hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Addyi’s sales success will depend on whether the modest benefits are considered adequate in relati…

Current Prescription Drug Pricing Practices: Lessons In Obfuscation

A more transparent system of prescription drug pricing would lead to a better alignment of price and value.

Is ASCO Sending Mixed Messages On Cancer Drug Value?

Endorsing a framework that incorporates cost and value implies that all relevant stakeholders, not just oncologists and their patients, would be included in the design of framework criteria that are intended to inform decisions on which drugs to develo…