CMS’s new procedure reimbursement codes will help generate ‘critical information’ on the effectiveness of the COVID products, but will suffer from a ‘claims lag.’

Estimated $14 price per dose for Janssen’s investigational vaccine is first drop in value since Operation Warp Speed started signing contracts. The $1bn purchase order for 100 million doses and earlier $456m for development work is considerably less lucrative than the $2.1bn deal with GSK/Sanofi announced last week, especially since Janssen’s product may end up being a one-dose regimen.

Research on generic drug coverage in Medicare Part D plans finds access unobstructed for majority of lower cost alternatives. However, study may offer incomplete picture, generic and biosimilar advocates say.

Almost a third of Medicare drug plans are expected to offer the insulin demonstration next year, while almost none have signed up for the payment ‘modernization’ demo, under which plans would be at more risk for spending during the catastrophic phase. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also announces basic Part D premiums will average $30.50 for 2021.

Industry balks at President Trump’s latest effort to force biopharma to negotiate a drug pricing solution, but investors may be pushing for concessions that could head off more onerous policies supported by a Biden White House. 

Industry has 30 days to come up with a better idea that would “end foreign free riding” and close the gap between drug prices in the US and abroad, President Trump says. Administration also wants to revive rebate reform.