WakeMed, a three-hospital system in the North Carolina capital region of Raleigh, would become part of Advocate Health, Atrium’s parent company, if the deal goes through. Advocate is one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the U.S. 

The New Jersey-based drug developer joins AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Novo Nordisk and Pfizer in offering their products directly to patients at a discounted rate. Johnson & Johnson is currently listing four medications on the platform.

The agency said it is seeking to exclude semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide from the 503B program based on a lack of clinical evidence. Unless there’s a shortage, the pharmaceuticals would be barred from being compounded by third-parties for the purpose of treating diabetes or obesity. The FDA is seeking public comment on the proposal. 

The idea is spreading thanks to a new startup focused on providing support for cardiologists.

Federal regulators alleged that U.S. Anesthesia Partners—a portfolio company of Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowes—engaged in a “roll-up scheme” in Texas that effectively eliminated the competition. The company denies the allegations, but has agreed to undisclosed terms that would see the lawsuit resolved.