With American Pharmacists Month (APhM) behind us, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the spotlights that shined on our profession, focusing on our pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and the incredible work that they do. We saw APhM recognized across social media channels, state proclamations by governors, and even through an on-camera shout out at the TODAY Show on their plaza. This well-deserved recognition goes a long way in sharing with the world the value and importance of pharmacists and pharmacy personnel in all settings.

H.R. 1770 Would Provide Payment for Pharmacist Services for COVID-19, Flu, Strep & RSV Under Medicare Part B and Ensure Pharmacists Can Continue to Protect Vulnerable Senior Communities

An FDA advisory panel backed the use of Pfizer’s nirmatrelvir/ritonavir antiviral (Paxlovid) as a treatment for adults with COVID-19 who are at high risk for severe illness. The endorsement is expected to allow the drug, which is available under an EUA, to receive full FDA approval.

A new study published in NEJM found that bempedoic acid (Nexletol—Esperion Therapeutics) modestly reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications from heart disease. However, it did not reduce the overall mortality rate. Bempedoic acid was approved by FDA 3 years ago to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.