In this week's Pharma Pulse, PhRMA sues to block CMS's GLOBE pricing model, WFS opens a temperature-controlled cargo terminal in Lyon and Bayer commits $2.2 billion to a new Ohio manufacturing site.
Commentary|Podcasts|March 11, 2026
Pharma Pulse: FDA Approval of Leucovorin Calcium for CFD and Persistent Inequities in OTC Naloxone Access
Author(s)Stephen Appezzato
In today’s Pharma Pulse, the FDA approved Wellcovorin as the first therapy for an ultra-rare neurological disorder, and disparities in OTC naloxone access persist despite declining retail prices.
Advertisement
Welcome to Pharma Pulse, a Pharmaceutical Commerce podcast in which we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and let’s get into today's headlines.
- Retail data reveals that while over-the-counter naloxone prices dropped by roughly $0.49 per quarter through late 2024,
unit sales actually fell by 2% . Significant racial and geographic disparities persist, with costs estimated at over $5 higher per unit in Native American and Alaska Native communities, while pharmacy deserts and inconsistent stocking continue to limit same-day availability in rural areas. - In other news, the FDA has granted
expanded approval to leucovorin calcium tablets, also known as Wellcovorin, for the treatment of cerebral folate transport deficiency. This marks the first-ever FDA-approved therapy for this ultra-rare neurological condition, with clinical evidence showing that 89% of treated patients demonstrated meaningful neurological improvements.
That’s it for this episode of Pharma Pulse. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access, visit
Thanks for listening—until next time, stay well and stay informed.
You can catch Pharma Pulse directly on
Advertisement
Related to this article
PhRMA's lawsuit argues CMS overstepped its demonstration authority by tying Medicare Part B rebates to international prices.
With HRSA's approval window now closed, attention turns to whether health system pharmacies can reconcile rebates at scale before the pilot's Jan. 1 start.
In this week's Pharma Pulse, Vicapsys merges with Stateline, Veritiv targets GLP-1 shipping, Section 232 tariffs widen and HRSA's 340B rebate pilot deadline arrives.
Episode 3 of Supply Chain Signal examines the Aug. 31 MFN agreements with nine mid-size manufacturers, the GENEROUS Medicaid model and whether pricing, trade and manufacturing policy now add up to a new pharma operating model.
CMS says 40 states and Puerto Rico have signed on to the GENEROUS Model, which applies MFN pricing to Medicaid drugs through state-invoiced rebates.
Rebate delays could force 340B hospitals to pay upfront and wait months for credit, distorting drug spend on the books. Valerie Bandy, PharmD, of Tecsys explains the fallout.
Go behind the scenes of LogiPharma USA 2026 with program director Charleen Ring and McKesson's Chris Van Norman in this Pharma Pulse special.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Trending on Pharmaceutical Commerce
1
Why Securing Pharma Freight Starts With Broker and Carrier SOPs
2
Supply Chain Visibility Needs Context Before AI, Says PAXAFE’s Mark Talens
3
Pharma Pulse: PhRMA Sues to Block GLOBE Model and Bayer's $2.2B Ohio Site
4
LogiPharma USA 2026: Where Cold Chain Expertise Gaps Become Product Risk
5