New Arkansas Laws Enhance Access to Prescription Medications, Empower Local Hospitals and Pharmacies

Little Rock, Arkansas — Two new laws aimed at enhancing patient access to prescription medications will take effect Tuesday, prompted by strong legislative backing during the recent session. Act 52 removes the previous restrictions on nonprofit hospitals establishing retail pharmacies, a change supporters believe will significantly improve access to medications, particularly in underserved regions. With the new law, hospitals are permitted to set up pharmacies within 250 yards of their facilities and can operate in conjunction with infusion centers. Additionally, hospitals can now establish one pharmacy for every 100 beds available. Another significant piece of … Read more

Idaho Doctor and Immigrant Patients Fight New Law Threatening Access to Critical HIV Medications

BOISE, Idaho — An Idaho doctor and four residents are taking legal action against a new state law that could significantly limit public health benefits for individuals living in the U.S. without legal authorization. This law threatens access to crucial HIV and AIDS medications for low-income patients, according to a federal lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Idaho. The lawsuit, submitted Thursday night, represents Dr. Abby Davids and four individuals with HIV, who remain unnamed due to their immigration status. The complaint argues that the legislation is ambiguous, conflicts with federal law, and complicates healthcare … Read more

Lilly Seeks Court Action Against Compounded Copies of Its Popular Weight-Loss Medications

Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Co. has requested to join a lawsuit targeting manufacturers of compounded versions of its popular weight-loss drugs. The company alleges that these compounded versions might pose safety risks and infringe on its intellectual property rights. This legal move comes as the U.S. weight-loss drug market experiences significant growth, driven by increasing awareness and consumer demand for effective obesity treatments. The lawsuit, originally filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, seeks to halt the production and distribution of unauthorized compounded versions of drugs similar to Lilly’s FDA-approved offerings, including Mounjaro … Read more

Emerging Legal Battles: Surge in Litigation Anticipated Over Weight-Loss Medications

In recent developments across the pharmaceutical industry, weight-loss medications are under increasing scrutiny as they potentially become the focal point of significant mass tort litigation. These drugs, designed to aid individuals in losing weight, have become popular solutions for battling obesity, a mounting health crisis in the United States. Among the pharmaceutical offerings currently receiving attention, weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic have surged in popularity. Marketed extensively, these medications promise to help users reduce their weight significantly when combined with exercise and a healthy diet. However, their rise in popularity has led to … Read more