CER Daily Newsfeed

Metformin-Alogliptin Combo vs. Monotherapy in Diabetes

(12/3, Bioengineer.org) reports “...[T]he comparative effectiveness of metformin and alogliptin combination therapy versus metformin monotherapy presents compelling evidence that could reshape diabetes treatment guidelines.” Full

The President Weighs In: Improving Access And Affordability Of Obesity Medications

(12/3, David D. Kim, Miles Conde, Mariaelena Boyle, Jennifer Hwang, and A. Mark Fendrick, Health Affairs) reports “...Even if GLP-1RAs are considered cost-effective, affordability may remain a major challenge for various payers due to volume effects. When measuring potential budget impact, three key factors are important to consider: price, population size, and duration of use. A sizable population would potentially be eligible under the new coverage policy. And to sustain the therapy’s benefits, that population would have to continue taking GLP-1RAs over a long-term period, possibly even for a lifetime. These factors may magnify fiscal pressure.” Full

Fee-for-Service Models Linked to Higher Odds of Low-Value Surgical Procedures

(12/2, Sabrina McCrear, AJMC) reports “...The findings align with prior research demonstrating that low-value care is less common in larger, integrated health systems. Low-value care often results from varying physician and patient beliefs, lack of ideal clinical approaches, or strong patient preferences. These factors may lead physicians to recommend surgical interventions that offer limited benefit based on a patient’s current clinical state. Unnecessary procedures increase costs and pose risks of complications or adverse events—issues that tend to be more pronounced in FFS environments.” Full

Briya Joins Epic Connection Hub, Integrates w/Tanner for RWD Access Expansion

(12/2, Fred Pennic, HIT Consultant) reports “Briya, a health AI technology company focused on research, has expanded its reach by becoming available in the Epic Connection Hub on Showroom...The integration provides hospitals and health systems using Epic’s EHR software with secure and efficient access to real-world data for medical research. Tanner Health System is the first provider to leverage this integration, using Briya’s platform across its Epic environment to draw insights from patient data, enhance care delivery, and cut down time spent on data logistics.” Full