First, AscellaHealth, a specialty pharmacy company is predicting a major boom in cell and gene therapies for rare diseases in 2024.
These cutting edge treatments are revolutionizing the way we treat rare diseases, which are often debilitating and have no cure.
AscellaHealth expects to see over 20 new cell and gene therapies approved by the FDA next year with a focus on cancer and rare diseases.
But these therapies are also incredibly expensive. AscellaHealth is working on innovative financial solutions to make them more affordable for patients and payers.
They're developing copay assistance programs and other strategies to help people access these life-saving treatments.
AscellaHealth is also committed to providing patient-centric care. They're putting patients at the center of their approach, ensuring they have access to the best possible care and support.
This includes personalized treatment plans, high-level coordination with doctors and other healthcare providers, and ongoing support throughout the treatment process.
Of course, cost is a major concern for everyone in the healthcare system. AscellaHealth is also working on ways to help payers manage the costs of these new therapies.
They're developing customized programs that can help control spending without compromising the quality of care.
Another trend AscellaHealth is watching is the shift toward administering these therapies in doctors' offices and even patients' homes. This can be more convenient and cost effective than traditional hospital care.
AscellaHealth is working with a network of specialty pharmacies and patient management organizations to provide high quality care in these settings.
Finally, AscellaHealth expects to see a continued rise in the use of biosimilars. These are drugs that are similar to existing brand name drugs, but they're often much cheaper.
AscellaHealth believes that biosimilars can play a major role in making healthcare more affordable for everyone.
In other news, Brookshire Brothers, a regional grocery chain in Texas and Western Louisiana is partnering with eGrowcery to improve its online ordering and fulfillment operations.
Brookshire Brothers will be transitioning to eGrowcery’s e-commerce platform in January, 2024.
The new platform will offer a number of benefits for both customers and the store for customers. The new platform will offer a more user-friendly experience with features like integrated coupon clipping and redemption, complex promotions, and other aesthetic improvements.
For Brookshire Brothers, the new platform will save time and money through a unique fulfillment approach. The platform will also help the store to better manage its inventory and improve its overall efficiency.
And next, The Celiac Disease Foundation and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company have announced a collaborative effort.
This partnership prioritizes consumer confidence and transparency by providing accessible healthcare resources to celiac patients navigating medication needs.
Given the absence of a cure or medication for celiac disease, a strict gluten-free diet remains paramount. This collaboration strives to empower patients to confidently address medication requirements without compromising dietary constraints.
Cost Plus Drugs Pharmacy network will be equipped to address inquiries regarding medication, gluten content, ensuring informed decision making for celiac patients with the guidance of qualified pharmacists.
And finally, McKesson Corporation has appointed Crystal Lennartz, Pharm.D., MBA, as President of Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas.
Lennartz, a highly accomplished healthcare leader and advocate with over 20 years of experience, will focus on elevating the role of Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas Pharmacies in enhancing patient care and community health.
Her comprehensive background encompassing managed care, clinical services, pharmacy operations strategy, and business development equips her to effectively lead the organization. Lennartz expressed her commitment to empowering pharmacies saying Pharmacies play a vital role in safeguarding community health and wellness, saying:
“I am dedicated to equipping health mart pharmacies with profit driving healthcare solutions, so they can expand services, optimize operations, and ultimately focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional care to their patients.”
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News | Rare Diseases, Mark Cuban Partnership, Brookshire & eGrowcery, New HealthMart President