Clinicians should be aware of a “recent rapid increase in certain SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants circulating in the United States,” the NIH COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel wrote in an Oct. 19 update. “The subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 are likely to be resistant to the anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab, and the subvariants BA.4.6, BA.2.75.2, BF.7, BQ.1, and BQ.1.1, are likely to be resistant to the mAbs tixagevimab plus cilgavimab (Evusheld).” The prevalence of resistant subvariants is currently low or moderate, the panel said.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation will test new payment and delivery models that would both lower drug costs and promote access to innovative therapies under an executive order issued last week by President Biden. Separately, ASHP and the American College of Physicians have endorsed the action. “Importantly the models would also support CMS’s efforts to increase utilization of value-based payment models,” ACP said in a statement. “Any treatment is only as effective as a patient’s ability to access the medication. Making prescription drugs more affordable is critical to ensuring that patients are able to access needed health care.”