MED DEVICE
Headspace XR, newly launched VR app from Meta
Headspace is partnering with Meta to release a VR meditation app that guides users through meditation and other activities meant to encourage mental well-being, like a tai chi-inspired movement game in which users wave their arms around to capture colorful energy bubbles. Referenced in their advertisement, Headspace XR is referred to as “a playground for your mind,” meant to take the user to a calm, virtual safe space where they can express creativity, find focus, follow immersive guided meditations, and hang out with friends.
PATIENT PAGES
Teva Expands Its Resources for ESG in Pharma
Pharma companies appear to remain committed to pursuing their respective environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ambitions. ESG is not only a priority for pharma companies but for the patients they serve, too. Teva Pharmaceutical’s ESG efforts center on providing uninsured patients with access to mental health services. Pharma companies recognize how access to medicines can improve a patient’s care condition, which is why Teva has coordinated with the charities to remove the obstacles facing uninsured populations. The nation’s severe, ongoing mental health crisis was among the factors that caused Teva to step up, but the organization also examined the state of racial health disparities in terms of behavioral health. In addition to making these medications more available, the company ensures that health information and resources are offered in a bilingual and diverse array for patients.
Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic condition that results in cysts on the kidneys which grow and often result in kidney failure by the time the patient is in their late 40s or 50s. Only one parent needs to have the disease for it to pass to their children. The overall goal of the program is to reduce the number of babies born with PKD from approximately 7,500 per year to 0.
DC DISPATCH
President Joe Biden Seeks to Improve Medicare’s Drug Coverage
President Joe Biden proposed in his State of the Union address to more than double the size of Medicare’s new drug price negotiation program. Biden seeks to dramatically increase the number of drugs subject to Medicare price negotiations to 50 a year, up from 20. CMS is negotiating with the makers of 10 drugs, with the final prices set to be announced by Sept. 1 and go into effect in 2026. Without a change, the number of eligible drugs will increase to 15 in 2027 and 2028 and to 20 every year thereafter. He also wants to expand the cap of older Americans on the Medicare prescription drug program paying no more than $2,000 out of pocket, to those on commercial plans, too.
FDA UPDATE
The Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor System is cleared to be the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM). To be used by anyone 18 years and older who does not use insulin, such as individuals with diabetes treating their condition with oral medications. Importantly, this system is not for individuals with problematic hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) as the system is not designed to alert the user to this potentially dangerous condition. The Stelo Glucose Biosensor System uses a wearable sensor, paired with an application installed on a user’s smartphone or other smart device, to continuously measure, record, analyze, and display glucose values. The device presents blood glucose measurements and trends every 15 minutes in the accompanying app.
“There is wide variation in weight loss on these types of drugs, called GLP-1s. Doctors say roughly 10% to 15% of people who try them are “non-responders,” typically defined as those who lose less than 5% of their body weight.”—WSJ
