Pharma Pulse 5/22/25: Bridging Innovation and Trust with Artificial Intelligence; AstraZeneca Partners with Aptar on Kidney Disease-Detecting AI

Bridging Innovation and Trust with Artificial Intelligence

In a recent interview with Applied Clinical Trials, Michel van Harten, MD, CEO of myTomorrows, discussed how AI is transforming clinical trials by reducing costs, accelerating timelines, and enhancing patient inclusion—while emphasizing the need for data quality, transparency, and trust to ensure responsible implementation.

AZ partners with Aptar on kidney disease-detecting AI

AstraZeneca has partnered with Aptar to advance AI algorithms that can detect chronic kidney disease and related conditions through eye exams, aiming to improve early diagnosis and expand digital health capabilities in CKD management.

Pharmacists Can Improve Patient Safety With Behavior Change Communication

Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to improve patient safety and outcomes through behavior change counseling, using techniques like motivational interviewing to enhance medication adherence, empower self-management, and support lifestyle modifications.

Cigna announces new deal for copay caps on Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk weight loss drugs

In a new agreement announced by Cigna, its pharmacy unit Evernorth has partnered with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to lower costs and cap monthly copays at $200 for GLP-1 weight loss drugs Wegovy and Zepbound, aiming to expand employer coverage while simplifying access and pre-authorization.

FDA expands warnings of heart risks on COVID shots

The FDA has ordered Pfizer and Moderna to expand label warnings on their COVID-19 vaccines due to updated data linking the shots to rare cases of heart inflammation—particularly in males ages 16 to 25—amid broader regulatory changes and growing scrutiny over vaccine safety.