In a significant shift, Bausch Health has announced its exit from Medicaid and the federal drug discount program known as 340B. This decision, which took effect on October 1, 2023, suggests a growing trend among pharmaceutical companies to reevaluate their participation in these widely utilized healthcare programs. Bausch’s brief statement on its website did not provide detailed reasoning for the change, though a company spokesperson assured that Bausch remains “fully committed” to patients prescribed its medications. The spokesperson also noted enhancements to its patient assistance program, ensuring zero out-of-pocket costs for covered medicines and offering free home delivery.
This development comes as the pharmaceutical industry faces increased scrutiny regarding drug pricing, particularly in light of pressures from the Trump administration aimed at lowering costs for consumers. As companies navigate this complex landscape, Bausch’s withdrawal from Medicaid raises questions about the broader implications for access to medications.
Eli Lilly Unveils Ambitious AI Supercomputer Project
In a bold move within the tech and pharmaceutical sectors, Eli Lilly has forged a partnership with NVIDIA to develop what it claims will be the “most powerful supercomputer owned and operated by a pharmaceutical company.” This investment in technology is designed to harness the capabilities of artificial intelligence for drug discovery, enabling Lilly to identify new drug candidates and significantly reduce the timeframes typically associated with development.
The supercomputer will be utilized for various purposes beyond drug discovery, including clinical trials, manufacturing, and quality assurance processes. Lilly plans to leverage computer vision technology for quality control and intends to incorporate NVIDIA’s robotics technology into its production lines. This ambitious project will be housed in an existing data center in Indianapolis, where Lilly is headquartered.
As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, these developments highlight the ongoing intersection of healthcare and technology. Bausch’s decision to exit Medicaid could signal a shift in how drugmakers engage with public health programs, while Eli Lilly’s investment in AI capabilities represents a forward-thinking approach to innovation in drug development.
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