The Rx Recap: March 30-April 5

Welcome to this week’s roundup of the most insightful and impactful articles from the sister publications of Dermatology Times, all under One MJH Life Sciences. Our network brings together expert perspectives, clinical advancements, and industry updates to keep clinicians informed and ahead of the curve. From cutting-edge treatments to practice management strategies, here’s a look at the top stories shaping the field of medicine.

The Future of Care: Balancing Patient Expectations, Physician Wellness & Systemic Change

Research reported in Medical Economics highlights a critical issue: today’s healthcare system is failing both patients and physicians. Patients expect personalized, timely, and high-quality care, yet doctors are overwhelmed by excessive workloads, administrative burdens, and an outdated fee-for-service model that prioritizes quantity over quality. As burnout among providers rises, patient care suffers, creating a vicious cycle of frustration and inefficiency. But change is possible. By prioritizing provider wellness, embracing value-based care, and leveraging innovative solutions like team-based approaches and telemedicine, researchers we can build a system that works for both patients and physicians.

FDA Approves Fitusiran for Hemophilia A, B Patients Aged 12 Years and Up

New research reported by Contemporary Pediatrics highlights a major advancement for patients with hemophilia A or B. The FDA has approved fitusiran (Qfitlia; Sanofi) as a routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce bleeding episodes in patients aged 12 and older, marking a significant step forward in treatment options. Unlike traditional therapies, fitusiran works by reducing antithrombin levels to enhance clotting, offering patients a less frequent dosing schedule of once every two months. Clinical trials demonstrated a substantial reduction in bleeding rates, though the treatment carries important safety considerations, including risks of thrombosis and liver toxicity.

FDA Approves Perioperative Durvalumab Plus Chemo for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

New research reported by OncLive marks a major advancement in bladder cancer treatment. The FDA has approved durvalumab (Imfinzi) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as a neoadjuvant therapy, followed by durvalumab alone as an adjuvant treatment after radical cystectomy for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Data from the phase 3 NIAGARA trial demonstrated significant improvements in event-free survival, with patients in the durvalumab arm showing a clear advantage over those receiving chemotherapy alone. While overall survival data is still maturing, the regimen offers a promising new standard for early-stage, high-risk bladder cancer patients.

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Positive Interim Results on Trontinemab Validate Brainshuttle Technology for Alzheimer Disease Treatment

Research reported by Psychiatric Times highlights that Roche’s trontinemab, a next-generation anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody utilizing Brainshuttle technology, has shown promising results in treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by efficiently crossing the blood-brain barrier and significantly reducing amyloid plaques with lower ARIA risk than existing treatments. In a phase 1B/2A trial, 81% of high-dose patients fell below the amyloid positivity threshold within 28 weeks, with early and significant biomarker reductions. Encouraged by these results, Roche is launching a phase 3 trial later this year, potentially setting a new standard in AD treatment.

New Poll Shows COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Survey Takers’ Perspectives on Vaccinations

New research reported by Pharmacy Times reveals that nearly half of US adults have changed their views on vaccines over the past 5 years, with opinions split between increased support (25%) and growing skepticism (19%). The COVID-19 pandemic, recent measles outbreaks, and ongoing misinformation have played key roles in shaping public perception. While health care providers remain the most trusted source of vaccine information, social media and media coverage continue to influence public attitudes—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. As vaccine hesitancy remains a pressing public health challenge, experts emphasize the need for reliable education and proactive strategies to boost immunization rates.

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