A patent for an opioid-addiction treatment was awarded to a member of the family that owns Purdue Pharma. The patent is for a new formulation of buprenorphine in wafer form that dissolves quickly. The patent award has raised concerns that Purdue could benefit from fighting the opioid epidemic, which it has been blamed for helping to start. (STAT)
The Senate is planning to vote on an opioid bill next week. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) has said the bill will address special packaging for prescription opioids, access to medication-assisted treatment, and the development of treatments that are less addictive. (Axios)
Walgreens is stocking up on Auvi-Q to handle EpiPen shortages. It is the first time Kaleo’s device will be available in retail pharmacies. The list price for two Auvi-Q devices is $4,500, but Kaleo has said eligible patients can obtain the auto-injector at no cost. (CNBC)
AstraZeneca and Amgen have received breakthrough therapy designation for their severe asthma drug. Treatment-resistant patients who tried the drug, tezepelumab, experienced reductions in their annual exacerbation rate from 61% to 71%. The treatment has the potential to be a blockbuster drug. (Endpoints)
Mother has launched a digital platform, Driver, that connects patients and doctors to a database of cancer-treatment options. The app uses patients’ data to connect them with the best treatment option without patients having to leave their home. (MM&M)
