TD Cowen's annual report, based on feedback from health care stakeholders, indicates that US drug prices rose by 7% on average in 2024 and are projected to increase by about 3% annually after 2025, driven by high-value treatments in areas like oncology, cell and gene therapy, and obesity management. The report notes that the Inflation Reduction Act is expected to have a modest or moderate effect on rising drug prices.

Suzetrigine, a drug by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, is being hailed as a non-opioid alternative for managing acute pain. Unlike opioids, it works by stopping pain signals before they reach the spinal cord, potentially reducing addiction risks. The drug's development highlights the ongoing search for effective non-addictive pain treatments. While clinical trials have shown effectiveness in surgeries, and FDA approval is expected yet this month, some experts are cautious about long-term safety and addiction risks.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to the Affordable Care Act's mandate for preventive services coverage, potentially affecting tens of millions who receive health insurance through employers or the ACA marketplace. The case, brought by Texas employers, argues that the panels advising HHS on required services are unconstitutional. Lower courts have partially sided with the challengers.

HHS has declared a public health emergency in California because of the Los Angeles County wildfires, which have burned more than 35,000 acres and caused at least 10 deaths. The declaration allows greater latitude for Medicare and Medicaid providers and suppliers, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response is ready to deploy medical supplies and personnel as needed.

Gene therapies are gaining momentum as a treatment for heart disease, targeting various cardiovascular conditions. Renova Therapeutics' RT-100 and AskBio's AB-1002 target congestive heart failure, while XyloCor Therapeutics' XC001 addresses chronic refractory angina, Regenxbio's RGX-202 is aimed at cardiomyopathy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and Tenaya Therapeutics' TN-201 targets hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.