The price of prescription drugs increased again in the first seven months of this year, but by a slower pace than in previous years. From January through July, the price of brand-name prescription medicines jumped by 5%, lower than the 9%-to-10% increases of the past four years. (Associated Press)
WW, the company formerly known as Weight Watchers, is getting backlash from consumers over Kurbo, a calorie point-counting app for children ages eight to 17. Critics say the app is promoting an unhealthy relationship with food. The company says the app is “scientifically proven” to help kids eat better and get more exercise. (CNBC)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating lung illnesses in 14 states that could be linked to the use of e-cigarettes. The federal agency is working with state health departments to investigate the incidents, 30 of which took place in Wisconsin. (Reuters)
Roche has named Eli Lilly & Co.’s Levi Garraway as chief medical officer and head of global product development, effective October 1. He will succeed Sandra Horning in the position. Garraway was previously SVP of oncology research and development at Eli Lilly. (Reuters)
Planned Parenthood is pulling out of a federal family planning program rather than follow a White House policy stopping clinics from referring women for abortions. “We will not be bullied into withholding abortion information from our patients,” said acting Planned Parethood president and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson. (Associated Press)
