Single-tablet regimen (STR) coverage under qualified health plans (QHPs) varies widely across the US. Although bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) coverage has grown over time, many QHPs in priority jurisdictions for the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) have coinsurance requirements. Delay in QHP coverage and benefit design may hinder access to new antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens.

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) researches how germline (or inherited) alterations impact a person’s receptivity to medication. Almost everyone has a clinically significant variant of one or more pharmacogenes. Genetic variations in PK, PD, and HLA are linked to variations in drug response. Evidence only supports the utility of PGx testing for the four genes CYP2C19, CYP2D6, HLA-B15:02, and HLA-A31:01 in mental health. Fill out the CPE exam and submit it online at www.pharmacist.com/education if you’re interested in receiving 1 hour of CPE credit for this activity.

In the US, the use of biosimilars is becoming more and more important because of the potential for cost savings to increase patient access to biologic medicines and lower total healthcare expenditures. Healthcare professionals and patients have been the subjects of surveys on biosimilars, but recent comprehensive quantitative data about US pharmacists’ attitudes toward and comprehension of biosimilars are scarce. The majority of US pharmacists understood the fundamental ideas behind biosimilar drugs; however, certain knowledge gaps were concentrated in the areas of interchangeability and substitution. Only slightly more than half of those surveyed said they felt confident answering patients’ inquiries about biosimilars. To bridge these gaps and boost confidence in administering biosimilars, US pharmacists need additional and targeted instructional techniques.

This synopsis and overview of current research in nanotechnology in medicine is aimed at helping researchers, engineers, and scientists – and is of interest to the clinician as well.

Nanoformulations including liposomes, nanofibers, nanocapsules, dendrimers, and nanoparticles are currently being developed as solutions to remaining obstacles in cancer care. Some have already shown evidence of their ability to prevent cancer cell proliferation, lessen the risk of recurrence, minimize the chance of post-chemotherapy metastasis, and improve breast implants’ performance through better cell growth scaffolding.

The new transistor technology could solve the problem that electrochemical signaling is typically too weak to monitor effectively. Current sensors have such low signal strength that it is impossible to monitor tissue responses in real time. Instead, blood samples or biopsies are used. The new technology lays a foundation for real time noninvasive, highly sensitive monitoring.