Sarah McFarlane

1 week ago | healtheconomics.com | Sarah McFarlane

The recent mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have sparked controversy and potential legal challenges, with experts suggesting the dismissals may have been conducted illegally. Over 10,000 employees were laid off in a process described as chaotic and lacking transparency. Many question the legality of the procedures, especially given the closure of entire offices without proper notice or adherence to standard reduction-in-force (RIF) protocols.

1 week ago | healtheconomics.com | Sarah McFarlane

The biotech market is experiencing significant turmoil due to rapidly shifting U.S. economic policies under the Trump administration, resulting in decreased investor confidence and market volatility. Biotech stock values have taken a hit, with around 25% falling below their cash holdings, as new trade policies and leadership changes in regulatory agencies like the FDA contribute to the uncertainty.

1 week ago | healtheconomics.com | Sarah McFarlane

Pfizer has decided to discontinue the development of its experimental obesity pill, danuglipron, following the discovery of a potential liver damage case in a study participant. This marks the second oral weight loss drug Pfizer has abandoned since 2023, impacting its competitive position against market leaders Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, both of which have oral obesity drugs in advanced testing stages.

2 weeks ago | healtheconomics.com | Sarah McFarlane

President Trump’s recent implementation of aggressive tariffs on imports could soon extend to the pharmaceutical industry, potentially driving up the cost of prescription drugs in the United States. Although pharmaceuticals are currently exempt, the administration’s rhetoric suggests that this exemption might not last.

2 weeks ago | healtheconomics.com | Sarah McFarlane

1. Distributional Cost-Effectiveness AnalysisAn extension of traditional CEA, distributional cost-effectiveness analysis takes into consideration health benefits and how they are distributed through socioeconomic groups. Rather than maximizing health gains, the approach prioritizes interventions that reduce health disparities by assessing whether or not a particular treatment would disproportionately benefit underserved populations.