Verona Pharma brings to Merck the inhaled drug Ohtuvayre, which is FDA approved as a treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While Ohtuvayre is projected to become a blockbuster product in COPD alone, its potential extends to other respiratory disorders as well.| MedCity News
Rural hospitals are facing growing cybersecurity threats and digital demands but often lack the resources to respond — a gap Microsoft is working to close through discounted tools, free training and an AI innovation lab. The tech giant’s rural health initiative has reached more than 700 hospitals so far.| MedCity News
June has seen a slew of executive hires, promotions, exits and layoffs across the healthcare sector. For example, CVS Health and HCA Healthcare welcomed new executives, and Ascension and Optum Health announced that their CEOs are departing. There were also layoffs at organizations including Providence, UCSF Health and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.| MedCity News
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of an Affordable Care Act provision requiring insurance coverage of certain preventive services without cost-sharing. Many healthcare leaders applauded the decision, though some concerns remain.| MedCity News
Two digital health companies have gone public this year: Hinge Health and Omada Health. During a recent panel discussion, venture capitalists shared lessons learned about health tech in the public markets.| MedCity News
As the FDA’s top biologics official, Peter Marks oversaw regulation of cell and gene therapies. The departure of Marks and mass layoffs throughout the FDA raise concerns about the agency’s ability to review and potentially approve such treatments.| MedCity News
The Trump administration recently cancelled billions of dollars in funding to the NIH. Healthcare experts say the funding cuts will delay the pace of medical research in the U.S. — which will not only hamper the commercialization of life-saving treatments, but could also hurt the country’s position as a global leader in healthcare and technology.| MedCity News
Amedisys and UnitedHealth Group plan to divest care centers to an affiliate of VitalCaring Group. Several experts said this will likely clear the way for the companies' merger.| MedCity News