Luke Halpern is an assistant editor with Pharmacy Times. Luke wrote for Pharmacy Times in the summer of 2023, and assumed a full-time role in June 2024. His work has been featured in Pharmacy Times and the American Journal of Managed Care. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in May 2024.
Severe Pemphigus Vulgaris Successfully Treated With Intravenous Immunoglobulin
July 17th 2024A patient with severe and recurrent pemphigus vulgaris achieved lasting remission with a novel intravenous immunoglobulin preparation that had the added benefit of reducing treatment-related side effects.
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Comparison Shows Eligibility for Vericiguat Wider Than Expected for Heart Failure
July 17th 2024Investigators compared the criteria for eligibility in the VICTORIA trial with guideline and label criterion, finding a wider than expected population with heart failure were eligible for vericiguat therapy.
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Expert: Availability of OTC Naloxone in Stores, Pharmacies Will Lead to Greater Uptake
July 16th 2024Allison Burns discusses how pharmacists should prepare and educate themselves regarding OTC naloxone, and the steps that can be taken in stores and pharmacies to ensure OTC naloxone is visible and available.
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Heterogeneity Observed in Reporting on Drug-Drug Interactions With Proton Pump Inhibitors
July 12th 2024An analysis of interaction checkers and product summaries revealed large differences in the consistency and reliability of providing accurate information on potential drug-drug interactions.
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Common Surgical Procedures Account for High Share of Opioid Prescriptions in Children and Adults
July 11th 2024In pediatric and adult patients, the top 3 surgical procedures accounted for the highest share of opioid prescriptions, indicating a need for better opioid prescription management and greater awareness of the possible opioid-related adverse events that can stem from prescriptions of the drug.
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FTC Intends to Sue Biggest Pharmacy Benefit Managers for Unfair Negotiating Tactics
July 11th 2024In a follow-up to the interim FTC report documenting the business practices of PBMs and the power they hold in the pharmaceutical industry, the Commission now seeks to sue the 3 largest PBMs in the country for driving up the price of insulin and other essential drugs.
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High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin Responsive to Platelet-Activating Anti-PF4 Disorder
July 11th 2024Intravenous immunoglobulin was effective as an adjunctive treatment to anticoagulation in a patient with post-viral platelet-activating anti-PF4 disorder, indicating the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment selection.
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Prefilled Syringe of Faricimab-Svoa Approved by FDA for Leading Causes of Vision Loss
July 8th 2024Following the previous FDA approval of faricimab-svoa to treat some of the leading causes of vision loss, the Administration has approved a single-dose prefilled syringe of the drug which could lead to safer and more efficient administration while easing patient burden.
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Mutations in KLHL6 Associated With Tangible Disease Characteristics in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
July 8th 2024Researchers found that certain mutations in KLHL6 can lead to an increase in the number of B-cell receptors, resulting in poor outcomes for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
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Pharmacists Play Essential Role in Managing Dupilumab for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
July 3rd 2024As dupilumab garners positive clinical trial results in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it is increasingly important that pharmacists educate themselves on the treatment.
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ACIP Votes to Recommend Pneumococcal 21-Valent Conjugate Vaccine for Adult Populations
July 2nd 2024The committee, after being presented evidence by the working group, recommended the vaccine for adults aged 65 and older and those 19 or older who have current recommendations to receive a pneumococcal vaccine.
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IVIG, Plasmapheresis Effective in Managing Non-Tumor Anti-Tr/DNER Antibody-Associated Ataxia
July 2nd 2024In a rare case of non-tumor anti-Tr/DNER antibody-associated ataxia, the patient is treated with plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for symptoms such as dysarthria and difficulty walking.
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FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation to RCT1100 For Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Published: July 1st 2024 | Updated: July 1st 2024RCT1100 is designed to deliver DNAI1 mRNA directly to affected airways through an inhaled nebulizer and fills an urgent unmet need in the treatment of those with primary ciliary dyskinesia.
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Attitude, Education Among Non-Economic Barriers Hinder Adoption of Biosimilars
June 28th 2024Health professionals have expressed concerns regarding consistent naming standards, the regulatory process surrounding the approval of biosimilar drugs, and the lack of education they have about biosimilars.
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FDA Expands Approval of Delandistrogene Moxeparvovec-rokl for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
June 21st 2024After being previously approved in June 2023 under an Accelerated Approval process, the FDA has granted an expanded approval for non-ambulatory individuals and individuals 4 years of age or older.
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