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The Pharmaceutical Research Manufacturers Association (PhRMA), the trade association that represents the nation’s leading biopharmaceutical research companies, announced a new proposal on Monday regarding direct-to-consumer (DTC) television advertising.  This voluntary agreement by PhRMA members would help patients access more useful information about the cost of their medicines.

The long-awaited final core study on Bisphenol A (BPA), a compound used to produce strong plastic products and epoxy resins, has been released.  On September 28, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) announced that the CLARITY-BPA Core Study and Primary Data from the CLARITY-BPA Grantee Studies were available.  The core study confirms what has been known for years:  BPA is safe. 

While not unexpected, it was still disappointing to see California Governor Jerry Brown (D) sign into law Senate Bill 822, creating the most restrictive set of rules for internet service providers (ISPs) in U.S. history.  California has often attempted to set standards for the rest of the nation in everything from the environment to technology, often in contravention of the federal powers reserved under the Constitution. 

Montanans will decide the fate of Initiative 185 when they vote this November.  The ballot measure is needed, proponents say, because it will finally accomplish the most noble, yet elusive, of goals: reducing smoking and raising revenue for the expansion of Medicaid in Montana, so that thousands more can realize the benefits of healthcare.  It would raise the cigarette tax by $2 per pack; raise taxes on moist snuff by the greater of 83 percent of the wholesale price or $3.70 per 1.2 ounces; and raise taxes by 33 percent on vaping products.  The proceeds, it is claimed, would fund Medicaid e