Inflation Reduction Act: A Game Changer for Cardiovascular Therapies Access

By Staff Writer

September 29, 2023

First 10 Drugs Announced for Medicare Price Negotiation

On August 29, 2023, the Biden-Harris administration revealed the first 10 drugs chosen for Medicare price negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Five of these drugs treat cardiovascular conditions such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure. This is a significant step towards improving access to lifesaving therapies for cardiovascular conditions that affect millions of older US residents.

The rising prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in the elderly (65 years and above) has been a significant factor in the development of new pharmaceutical treatments. This has also caused a shift in standard care practices, with the adoption of newer, costlier brand-name drugs in place of older, more affordable generics.

For example, the replacement of warfarin with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation patients is discussed. Warfarin comes at a mere $4 per month, whereas DOACs can cost between $378 to $566 monthly. This price difference has resulted in a nearly 17-fold surge in Medicare’s annual expenditure on oral anticoagulation therapy, from an estimated $440 million in 2011 to a whopping $7.4 billion in 2019.

This narrative is continued by examining the evolution of medical treatment guidelines for patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The previous standard treatment comprised three affordable generic drugs: a β-blocker, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, and a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. The current standard, however, includes sacubitril/valsartan and a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor. The cost disparity is significant. While the former regimen could cost as low as $10 a month, the current standard-of-care regimen can exceed $1200 a month.

Implications for Patients and Manufacturers

The IRA plans to address the issue of high medication costs by negotiating prices with drug manufacturers. They anticipate this negotiation will save the government $100 billion from 2026 to 2031. The lower negotiated price will also reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients. Additionally, the IRA will mandate all Part D plans to cover drugs with negotiated prices, improving access to these medications.

Reference url

Recent Posts

HIV prevention injection
   

FDA Approval and Access Strategy for Lenacapavir (Yeztugo) Long-Acting HIV Prevention

🌍 Will Yeztugo Approval and Access Strategy Deliver an Inflection Point in HIV/AIDS?

Yeztugo (lenacapavir), a twice-yearly injection, redefines long-acting HIV prevention with 96–100% efficacy. Gilead’s access strategy—insurance, assistance, and generics for 120 countries—targets global impact. Can it balance $28,218 U.S. costs with equity for 1.3M annual infections? My article explores health economics, public health, and market dynamics.

📖 Read how Yeztugo’s access strategy could transform long-acting HIV prevention

#SyenzaNews #GlobalHealth #HIVPrevention #Yeztugo #PrEP

essential prescription drugs
       

Canada Launches Consultation for Essential Prescription Drugs List

💊 Are you curious about how Canada plans to make essential prescription drugs accessible for everyone?

Canada’s Drug Agency has launched a national consultation to create a list of essential prescriptions that aim to ensure equitable access, improve health outcomes, and reduce costs. This initiative marks a key step towards universal pharmacare and highlights the importance of evidence-based practices in healthcare.

Dive into our latest article to learn more about the implications for patients, policymakers, and the broader healthcare system!

#SyenzaNews #healthcare #HealthEconomics

ACIP vaccine policy concerns
     

ACIP Vaccine Policy Concerns

🛑 Is the future of vaccine policy at risk?

The recent overhaul of the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) raises critical concerns about the integrity and transparency in vaccine recommendations. The abrupt removal of longstanding members may disrupt the essential processes that have historically upheld public trust and immunization success.

Curious about the implications for health policy and public health? Dive into the full analysis to understand the balance needed between continuity and reform!

#SyenzaNews #HealthcarePolicy #HealthEconomics #Innovation

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.