6 new care and payment models CMS introduced in 2025
CMS introduced several new care and payment models in 2025, many focused on drug pricing, chronic disease management and prevention: 1. CMS published plans Dec. 23 for its voluntary “Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth” — or BALANCE — model. Under the model, CMS will negotiate reduced prices with GLP-1 manufacturers for […]
Can Amgen’s MariTide Take on Leaders in the Obesity Space?
Amgen AMGN is one of the few companies with a late-stage obesity candidate in its pipeline. The company is developing MariTide, an investigational GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, as part of its comprehensive MARITIME phase III program in obesity. With this drug, Amgen intends to take on Eli Lilly LLY and Novo Nordisk NVO, which currently dominate […]
Obesity efforts dominate dealmaking in 2025
When glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists entered the market for obesity and overweight indications in recent years, the uptake and enthusiasm drove investor excitement for companies advancing any of the new mechanisms in the space.
Tirzepatide noninferior to dulaglutide for CV outcomes in type 2 diabetes
Tirzepatide is noninferior to dulaglutide with respect to a composite of death from cardiovascular (CV) causes, myocardial infarction, or stroke among patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic CV disease, according to a study published in the Dec. 18/25 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Memorial Hermann sharpens its value proposition
As healthcare costs continue to rise and margins remain under pressure, Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System is leaning into value-based care and direct-to-employer strategies to slow spending growth and improve outcomes. Hospitals nationwide are facing sustained cost pressure driven by labor expenses, pharmaceutical inflation and growing demand for specialty care. At the same time, employers […]
6 recent updates on GLP-1 drugs
From payer shifts to regulatory milestones, GLP-1 therapies for obesity and diabetes continued to reshape the healthcare landscape in December. Here are six updates: Pfizer struck a $2 billion deal with YaoPharma to develop and commercialize a small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist in phase 1 development for chronic weight management. Pfizer paid $150 million upfront and […]
Oprah Reveals Use of GLP-1 Medications Led to Sobriety
Oprah Winfrey is feeling better than ever. While the media mogul has been candid about her use of GLP-1s for weight loss, she recently revealed an unexpected result of the medication: She no…
Brooks Nader Hilariously Trolled For Wearing $1,260 “Santa” Belt As A Shirt In Aspen
Brooks Nader turned heads once again during a winter getaway in Aspen, Colorado, after stepping out in a daring outfit. Over the weekend of December 27, the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model was photographed with her friends at the Caribou Club, wearing a $1,260 wide leather Chloé belt across her chest as a top in 19-degree […]
20 public health wins in 2025
Phew, what a year. Amid relentless political, financial, and rhetorical pressures on public health, science, and health care, real harm landed on clinics, communities, and people trying to stay healthy. The public health sector did everything it could to mitigate the impact and continue protecting Americans’ health in meaningful, lifesaving ways. Although the blows are […]
Oprah Winfrey reveals GLP-1 weight loss drug made her quit drinking alcohol after wild ’17 shots’ night
Oprah Winfrey has revealed that the GLP-1 weight loss medication she began taking in 2023 has unexpectedly curbed her desire to drink alcohol.