Here are seven articles Becker's Hospital Review published in the last week, including a survey highlighting employers' perceptions of pharmacy benefit managers and Pfizer's plans to auction off its consumer health unit.
1. Merck to lay off 1.8k sales reps: 4 things to know
Merck on Oct. 20 announced plans to cut 1,800 sales positions in the U.S.
2. Pfizer to auction off consumer health unit in November, sources say
Pfizer will launch an auction process in November to sell off its consumer healthcare business.
3. Pharma's lobbying efforts: 10 drugmakers that spent the most so far in 2017
Pharmaceutical and medical device companies have collectively spent $208 million on lobbying efforts so far in 2017.
4. 150+ House members call for repeal of medical device tax
More than 150 lawmakers are pushing for the repeal of the ACA's medical device tax.
5. Hospitals grapple with medical supply shortages in wake of Hurricane Maria: 4 things to know
Hospitals nationwide are experiencing medical supply shortages caused by lower production levels in Puerto Rico, which produces nearly 10 percent of the U.S.'s drugs.
6. 63% of employers say PBMs not transparent about how they make money
Many U.S. employers are concerned about their pharmacy benefit manufacturer's level of transparency, contract complexity and rebate process.
7. Analysis: Biosimilar drugs could cut US healthcare spending by $54B
Introducing biosimilar versions of complex drugs into the marketplace could cut U.S. healthcare spending by $54 billion over the next 10 years.
More articles on supply chain:
7 must-reads for supply chain leaders this week
63% of employers say PBMs not transparent about how they make money
Amazon holds wholesale pharmacy licenses in 12 states