Pharma Pulse: Trump Plans Direct-to-Patient Website, Gabapentin Prescriptions Surge, and Gene Therapy Slows Huntington’s Progression

Welcome to Pharma Pulse, a Pharmaceutical Commerce podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and today we’re covering a new government healthcare initiative, rising prescription trends, and a promising breakthrough in gene therapy.

• President Donald Trump has announced plans for a government-run website designed to connect patients directly to drug information and pricing resources. The platform aims to improve transparency and give Americans easier access to treatment options. While details remain limited, industry observers say the initiative could reshape how patients engage with pharmaceutical products and pricing in the US.
• New data show that gabapentin is now the fifth most commonly prescribed medication in US community pharmacies. The drug, often used for neuropathic pain and off-label for anxiety and other conditions, has seen a sharp rise in prescriptions over the past decade. Experts caution that while gabapentin fills critical treatment gaps, its growing use raises questions about appropriate prescribing practices and the potential for misuse.
• Lastly, in clinical innovation, researchers have reported that a new gene therapy significantly slows the progression of Huntington’s disease. Early trial results show improvements in motor function and quality of life, offering fresh hope for patients facing this devastating neurodegenerative condition. If future studies confirm these findings, the therapy could become the first disease-modifying option for Huntington’s, a milestone long awaited by patients and caregivers.

From digital health policy and prescribing trends to groundbreaking gene therapy, these stories highlight the rapid changes driving today’s pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape.

That’s it for this episode of Pharma Pulse. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access and care delivery, visit pharmaceuticalcommerce.com.

Thanks for listening—until next time, stay well and stay informed.

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