Woman receives kidney transplant from genetically modified pig
Woman receives kidney transplant from genetically modified pigJoe Carrotta for NYU Langone HealthOver seven hours on November 25, surgeons in New York moved a kidney from a genetically modified pig into a 53-year-old woman who had needed a transplant since 2017. This is the third time doctors have performed a kidney transplant with an organ from a genetically modified pig.“I am overjoyed,” kidney recipient Towana Looney said in a press conference yesterday. “I’m full of energy, got an appetite I’ve never had in eight years. It’s like I can feel the blood pumping through my veins. I can put my hand on this kidney and feel it buzzing, it’s so strong.” Research on xenotransplantation — from one species to another — has undergone a renaissance in recent years, reports STAT’s Megan Molteni. But the procedures remain experimental and only available to patients too sick to be eligible to receive a human organ. Read more on the latest procedure.GlP-1sA key decision on compounding is expected this weekThere’s been a lot of uncertainty in the GLP-1 compounding space over the past few months. To refresh: In early October, the FDA pulled Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide off its drug shortage list after nearly two years. That should have prohibited compounding pharmacies from continuing to making copies of the drug, as they’re allowed to do so only when a treatment is on the shortage list. But after a compounding trade group took the FDA to court, the agency made a sudden about-face, saying it would reconsider its decision and allow compounders to continue for the meantime.The FDA and the compounding trade group are meant to provide updates in court on or before this Thursday. The agency may decide that tirzepatide should stay off the shortage list, which would be a significant blow to compounders and the telehealth companies they work with. Or, the FDA may decide that tirzepatide should stay on the shortage list and that compounders can continue making it — a move that would rile Eli Lilly, whose CEO has raised concerns that the growth of compounding could create a “backdoor generic world.”Whatever the FDA does in the situation would set a precedent for how it handles Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, which may be close to coming off the shortage list soon.In the meantime, telehealth companies that prescribe compounded tirzepatide appear to be using the deadline to urge patients to stock up. One of them, Pomegranate Health, sent an email to users yesterday, saying, “The decision to uphold the removal of tirzepatide from the shortage list may be overturned or upheld on December 19, 2024. Either way, this could lead to a surge in demand for the medication as providers and patients scramble to stock up on supply. Secure your three month supply to avoid disruption to your care.”Correction: Monday’s newsletter incorrectly stated the revenue of Amgen’s drug Tepezza. It’s on track to do $2 billion in sales, not $1 billion. from AXIOS:A third of psychologists won’t take insuranceBy Maya Goldman Data: American Psychological Association; Note: Respondents could pick multiple options; Chart: Axios VisualsJust over a third of U.S. psychologists say they don’t accept any type of health insurance, according to the American Psychological Association’s latest annual provider survey.Why it matters: The lack of mental health professionals in insurer networks can make it difficult for Americans to access counseling or other behavioral care.Psychology appointments not covered by health insurance might range from about $100 to $200 per session, according to Psychology Today.By the numbers: 34% of those surveyed said they aren’t in public or private insurer networks.82% of those cited insufficient reimbursement rates as the biggest barrier to participating.62% cited pre-authorization requirements and other administrative issues.About half of psychologists who don’t take insurance said they used to accept it.Between the lines: The Biden administration in September finalized new rules to better enforce requirements that insurers cover mental health on par with physical health.Under those rules, insurers may have to boost reimbursements if they find their mental health networks are too skimpy. Insurers have said the rules will complicate compliance and decrease access to care.More here
Data: American Psychological Association; Note: Respondents could pick multiple options; Chart: Axios VisualsJust over a third of U.S. psychologists say they don’t accept any type of health insurance, according to the American Psychological Association’s latest annual provider survey.Why it matters: The lack of mental health professionals in insurer networks can make it difficult for Americans to access counseling or other behavioral care.Psychology appointments not covered by health insurance might range from about $100 to $200 per session, according to Psychology Today.By the numbers: 34% of those surveyed said they aren’t in public or private insurer networks.82% of those cited insufficient reimbursement rates as the biggest barrier to participating.62% cited pre-authorization requirements and other administrative issues.About half of psychologists who don’t take insurance said they used to accept it.Between the lines: The Biden administration in September finalized new rules to better enforce requirements that insurers cover mental health on par with physical health.Under those rules, insurers may have to boost reimbursements if they find their mental health networks are too skimpy. Insurers have said the rules will complicate compliance and decrease access to care.More here
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