Federal authorities said the shift to regional “Strike Force” models have proven successful, with 6,200 defendants prosecuted nationwide. The DOJ said this latest unit will take a special interest in Northern California. 

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 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. 

Some Omnipod 5 devices, manufactured by Insulet, are subject to the Class I recall. The products with the defect must be removed from where they are used or sold to ensure safety, as lower-than-expected insulin doses could have potentially lethal repercussions.

U.S. healthcare is in the throes of an affordability crisis. The good news is that healthcare leaders have all the evidence, tools and expertise needed to keep the predicament from becoming a plight. Can they marshal the will to wield those weapons toward that end?