Bloomberg reports that

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel ended discussion about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine without taking a vote, leaving it unclear how long the distribution of the shot will remain paused in the U.S. Some panel members advocated for a monthlong pause, while others were concerned about the effects of not having the J&J vaccine available, especially to the communities it was being targeted toward. As a result, distribution of the vaccine will remain halted at least until the panel meets next, perhaps in a week to 10 days.

The Wall Street Journal adds

The six cases [which resulted in the pause] exceed the background rate for the rare brain blood-clotting condition alone in women of this age group, said Tom Shimabukuro, a vaccine safety expert at the CDC who presented data on the cases. The illness the six women developed—cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, or CVST, combined with a low-platelet count—is even more rare, he said. 

The CDC issued an alert to healthcare providers Tuesday warning them to screen for the blood-clotting condition among patients who recently received the J&J vaccine and have severe headache or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, backache, leg swelling, new neurological symptoms or new or easy bruising. The condition requires a unique treatment, and healthcare providers shouldn’t give these patients the standard treatment, which involves using the anticoagulant heparin, the agency also warned. 

Notwithstanding yesterday’s supply disruption, 2.5 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines were administered yesterday according to the CDC. 47.6% of the U.S. population over age 18, and 79.6% of the U.S. population over age 65, have had at least one dose of the vaccines. 29.6% of the over age 18 population and 63% of the over 65 population are fully vaccinated.

On the artificial intelligence front, STAT News informs us that

Mayo Clinic [along with business partners] is forming a pair of companies to collect and analyze data from remote monitoring devices and diagnostic tools, a move that comes as part of a broader bid to harness patient data to deliver continuous care guided by artificial intelligence. The ultimate goal of the companies is to deliver more precise physiological information to patients and doctors around the clock, allowing them to make faster decisions to head off disease and deliver care without the usual morass of extra office visits and trips to the pharmacy.

Here’s hoping plus a link to the Mayo Clinic’s press release.

In other healthcare news, the Mayo Clinic also reminds us that “One in 5 Americans has a sexually transmitted infection,according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During Sexually Transmitted Diseases Awareness Week, April 12–17, the CDC encourages discussion, testing and help to remove the stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections and diseases.”

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans lets us know that

Fierce Healthcare reports

As growing numbers of specialty drugs come through the development pipeline, employers are finding new strategies to manage the associated costs, a new report from Willis Towers Watson shows. Katie Asch, senior director and U.S. consulting pharmacy practice lead at WTW, told Fierce Healthcare that two-thirds of new drug approvals are for specialty drug products. In addition, these products are gaining approval for additional indications, Asch said. * * *

The WTW analysis groups potential solutions in financial and clinical responses, with financial options focusing on costs directly and clinical solutions focusing on utilization. For instance, utilization management tools like prior authorization can ensure patients are taking drugs appropriately, while copay assistance programs can manage individual costs.

In addition, according to the report, employers are finding ways to deploy multiple solutions in tandem. The insurer may offer a stop-loss program that can work well in tandem with advanced strategies for chronic care management, for example. “We’re seeing plans focus a bit more attention there if they have already pulled all the levers,” she said.

The report also highlights some drug products that are expected to get the Food and Drug Administration’s OK in the coming months. Ponesimod, a therapy for multiple sclerosis, is expected to be approved around March 18 and would cost between $60,000 and $80,000 per year.