A video of Insys employees rapping about selling fentanyl spray was shown in federal court in Boston on Wednesday. The video was reportedly used to encourage sales representatives to get more doctors to prescribe the product. It was played during the conspiracy trial of Insys founder John Kapoor in U.S. District Court. (Boston Globe)
Barbara McAneny, president of the American Medical Association, has blamed insurers for unexpected and expensive medical bills. She argued that insurers should negotiate more effectively to expand networks. Insurers can benefit financially from a narrow network, but McAneny said protecting patients should be their priority. (MedPage Today)
Pfizer continues to lead the erectile dysfunction market despite losing exclusive rights to Viagra in 2017. U.S. sales of the drug decreased 73% year-over-year from 2017. GoodRx reported that 65% of erectile dysfunction prescriptions filled from December 1, 2018, through January were for Pfizer’s Viagra and its generic. (CNBC)
A Johnson & Johnson talc supplier has filed for bankruptcy. Talc, used in J&J’s baby powder, is the focus of a series of high-profile lawsuits alleging the products cause ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The supplier, Imerys Talc America, does not believe there is a connection. (Reuters)
An 18-year-old in Ohio got vaccinated even though his parents objected. Because his parents believe vaccinations are part of a government conspiracy, the teen never received shots for measles, chickenpox, or other diseases. He learned about vaccinations and how to get them for the first time after turning to Reddit. (CNN)
