Minnesota 340B Analysis, US vs. Canadian Drug Access, & Cancer Patient Assistance Funds Disappear

Hey all,

Happy hump day! I was especially surprised by the findings I read on Canadian drug access. Another example of how US drug pricing is a mess. Enjoy the rundown!

Jacob Brody (Co-Founder & CEO, ZorroCard)

Minnesota's First 340B Drug Program Analysis (Drug Channels)

Minnesota's groundbreaking financial report on the 340B Drug Pricing Program revealed that hospitals dominated program benefits, with disproportionate share hospitals accounting for 77% of total 340B pharmacy prescription purchases, while for-profit pharmacies and administrators absorbed at least 16% of the profits. The analysis uncovered that commercial payers and Medicare Part D plans, along with their patients, fund 85% of 340B revenues in Minnesota, highlighting significant transparency and fairness concerns in a program that generates substantial profits from prescriptions bought at steep discounts. Full Article

U.S. vs Canadian Drug Access Study (Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy)

A comprehensive cross-sectional study found that despite the U.S. spending nearly double per capita on prescription drugs compared to Canada ($1,432 vs $814 in 2021), Americans and Canadians have similar access to important drug therapies. The research analyzed 399 prescription drugs available in the U.S. but not in Canada from 2017-2021, revealing that only 9 drugs were truly unique to the U.S. market without therapeutic equivalents in Canada, and of these, six were rated as offering minor to no therapeutic value by independent organizations. Full Article

Cancer Patient Assistance Fund Crisis (William Sarreille on LinkedIn)

A troubling analysis reveals that 80.9% of cancer-related financial assistance funds are currently closed to new patients, with only 36 funds remaining accessible out of 188 total cancer funds. The situation has worsened in November 2024, with five additional cancer funds closing, highlighting a growing crisis in healthcare accessibility for oncology patients who need help covering premiums and coinsurance costs. This closure rate significantly exceeds the already concerning 70% closure rate for patient assistance funds across all disease categories. Full Post