Researchers looked at prescribing patterns for drugs like Valium, Prozac, OxyContin and Ambien.
1. The number of Americans who are 65 years old and older taking at least three psychiatric drugs more than doubled from 2004 to 2013, according to a new analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine. (NYT)
2. Following criticism, Marathon Pharmaceuticals plans to “pause” the launch of Emflaza, its newly approved treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The company was criticized for its decision to price the older drug at $89,000 per year. (Kaiser Health News)
3. Aetna and Humana called off their $34-billion deal following a judge’s ruling that the proposed deal would raise antitrust concerns. (LAT)
4. United Therapeutics reportedly had to delete more than 5,000 payment records in the Open Payments system and then re-submit them, per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (Bloomberg BNA)
5. ICYMI: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) opened an investigation of potential abuses of the Orphan Drug Act, and whether they contributed to high prices on certain drugs. A media report found that drugmakers used the legislation to gain control of rare disease markets. (Kaiser Health News)
