Amazon Alexa is now HIPAA-compliant. Amazon released software for Alexa that is capable of transmitting private health information, along with unveiling six voice programs built by large health businesses like Boston Children’s Hospital and Cigna. The move will allow more hospitals, insurers and other health businesses to use Alexa more in clinical settings. (STAT)
Three drugmakers have paid $122.6 million to end a charity kickback investigation. Jazz Pharmaceuticals will pay $57 million, Lundbeck will pay $52.6 million and Alexion will pay $13 million. The Justice Department had been investigating a scheme in which drug companies allegedly used charities that cover Medicare patients’ out-of-pocket costs as a way to pay kickbacks to encourage the use of medicines. (Reuters)
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is leaving his post on Friday. He is planning to return to the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank in Washington where he worked before joining the FDA in 2017. He will focus on drug prices at the AEI. (Washington Post)
CVS has expanded its same-day prescription delivery nationwide. Previously, CVS offered one- and two-day prescription shipping to customers, while piloting same-day delivery in large cities. The pharmacy has partnered with Shipt to deliver the prescriptions. (CNBC)
Novartis has sued Amgen for trying to back out of their agreement to co-develop and market Aimovig. Novartis said Amgen was trying to keep all the profits from the new migraine drug. Amgen said in a statement that it was seeking to terminate its agreement with Novartis. Aimovig competes with Eli Lilly’s Emgality and Teva’s Ajovy. (Reuters)
