Drug Channels News Roundup: October 2011

Here is my monthly look at noteworthy news stories from the Drug Channels universe, hand-selected and cold-pressed for your edification. In this issue:

• Et Tu, New York Times? A surprising voice against the NY mail order bill

• Still hungry: Cardinal plans more Chinese acquisitions

• Eight is Enough: An excellent overview of 8 specialty pharmacy trends

Plus, The Onion continues their healthcare series with a look at the latest insurance premium data.

Mom-and-Pop Pharmacy Bill
I rarely agree with the New York Times editorial page, so I was surprised to read the grey lady’s opinion on New York Assembly Bill 5502-B: “Gov. Andrew Cuomo would be wise to veto it.” You may recall that I expressed similar sentiments in The Unexpected Losers from New York’s Anti-Mail Bill and FTC Slams NY Anti-Mail Bill.

Cardinal will continue acquisitions in China
Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) became the first U.S. wholesaler to acquire a drug wholesaler in the world’s fastest-growing pharmaceutical market. (See Cardinal Gets to China First.) Cardinal CEO George Barrett expects multiple acquisitions in the next year, according to this recent article from China Daily. The Chinese government's Five-Year Plan aims to have one to three large-scale drug distribution companies over the next five years. I wonder if China will repossess California before then.

Eight Mega Trends Shaping the Future of Specialty Pharmacy
Read this article for some great perspective from Bill Martin, Group VP, Specialty Business Development & Strategy, at Accredo Health. Bill hits all of the important trends. Well worth your time. I especially like his closing thought:

“Whether your role is in clinical, administration, drug development, market access, dispensing, patient support, or working within managed care to control costs and broaden access to care, we are all fortunate to have a contributing role in helping some of the most chronically ill patients realize the benefit of very advanced medications. Indeed, we have a changing but bright future. Change creates challenge, but it also brings abundant opportunities for growth.”

Insurance Costs Outstrip Wage Increases
The Onion, America’s Finest News Source, examines projected growth in healthcare premiums. Click to enlarge if you can't read these enlightening comments from a cross-section of our fellow citizens.