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High-cost sickle cell gene therapies push insurers and Medicaid programs to find new payment models
CNBC· 2025-02-18 14:52
Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges and advancements in the treatment of sickle cell disease, particularly focusing on new gene therapies approved by the FDA, such as Casgevy by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Lyfgenia by Bluebird Bio [2][6][7]. Treatment and Patient Access - DJ Chow, a 19-year-old patient, has benefited from the new gene therapy, which costs over $2 million per patient, highlighting the financial burden associated with these treatments [2][3]. - The treatment process for sickle cell gene therapies involves multiple hospitalizations and chemotherapy, indicating a complex and costly treatment regimen [2][6]. - As of the end of 2024, only about 100 patients have undergone treatment with the new therapies, reflecting a slow ramp-up in patient access [6][7]. Insurance and Payment Models - The coordination between treatment centers and insurers has improved, but the high costs of therapies remain a significant hurdle for coverage [9][10]. - CVS Health's CEO noted that while the current demand is manageable, the industry is exploring new payment models to accommodate the expected increase in patients needing treatment [10][11]. - The Biden administration has introduced a Cell and Gene Therapy payment model to assist states with funding for these expensive treatments, with a deadline for applications set for February 28 [13][14]. Budget Implications for States - States with high concentrations of sickle cell patients may face significant budget impacts, with estimates suggesting a mean budget impact of $30 million for the ten states with the largest sickle cell populations [14]. - The financial challenges for Medicaid programs are particularly acute, as over half of sickle cell patients are covered under this federal-state health plan [11][12]. Future Outlook - There is hope that as more patients receive therapy, the costs may decrease, allowing broader access to these treatments [18]. - The ongoing research and development of gene therapies are seen as critical for improving the quality of life for patients suffering from sickle cell disease [17].
KIA EV9 AND TELLURIDE NAMED 2025 KELLEY BLUE BOOK BEST BUY AWARD WINNERS
Prnewswire· 2025-02-10 14:00
Group 1 - Kia EV9 and Telluride have been awarded Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards, with the EV9 recognized as "Best 3-Row Electric Vehicle" for the second consecutive year and the Telluride as "Best Midsize SUV" for the sixth straight year [1][4] - The recognition of these models highlights Kia's commitment to quality design, engineering, and user-friendly technology, as stated by Kia America’s COO [1][2] - The Telluride's appeal is attributed to its comprehensive features for the price, along with its stylish design and driving experience, making it a standout in the midsize SUV category [2] Group 2 - Kelley Blue Book's Best Buy Awards program has been running for 11 years, evaluating nearly every new model in the U.S. through expert testing and analysis of various vehicle-related data [2] - The awards consider factors such as vehicle pricing, 5-Year Cost to Own data, consumer reviews, and vehicle sales information, ensuring a thorough assessment of each model [2] - Kia America is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024 and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA [3]
"THE BLUE ANGELS", AN IMAX® ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE GREATEST AIR SHOW ON EARTH NOW SHOWING AT THE CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER IMAX THEATER
Prnewswire· 2025-01-27 20:34
Core Points - The documentary "The Blue Angels" showcases the Navy's elite Flight Demonstration Squadron, providing an immersive experience through IMAX technology [1][3][4] - The film highlights the rigorous training and teamwork involved in becoming a Blue Angel, emphasizing the dedication and pride of the squadron members [4][5][6] - Free screenings of the documentary will be available at the California Science Center IMAX Theater from February 3 to February 9, 2025, as a community support initiative following recent wildfires [2][13] Company and Industry Insights - The California Science Center is enhancing its offerings by providing free access to IMAX films, aiming to create a welcoming environment for community engagement and education [2][8] - IMAX Corporation continues to innovate in entertainment technology, with a network of 1,788 IMAX systems operating globally as of September 30, 2024, making it a significant player in the theatrical distribution of major films [9][10] - The documentary is produced by a collaboration of notable companies including Bad Robot, IMAX Entertainment, and others, reflecting a trend of high-profile partnerships in film production [1][7][9]
THE DISTINCT COBALT BLUE OF SARATOGA® SPRING WATER NOW HAS AN OFFICIAL PANTONE® COLOR: SARATOGA® SIGNATURE BLUE, COLOR 286 C
Prnewswire· 2024-12-02 14:00
Company Overview - Primo Brands Corporation has announced that Pantone has designated the signature cobalt blue of Saratoga Spring Water bottles as an official color, named Saratoga Signature Blue: Color 286 C [1][2] - The Saratoga brand has a history dating back to 1872 and is recognized for its quality spring water, both still and sparkling [11] Event and Partnerships - The company is hosting a special dinner at Design Miami on December 2, 2024, featuring Michelin-Starred chef Curtis Stone and television personality Kathy Hilton [3][7] - The event aims to celebrate creativity and fine dining, pairing inventive dishes with Saratoga Spring Water [3][6] Marketing and Branding - The partnership with Pantone and the immersive experience at Design Miami is part of the brand's strategy to connect the history of Saratoga Spring Water with modernity, referred to as "the Art of Water" [4] - The Saratoga Supper Club experience will be available to the public starting December 4, 2024, in Miami, with additional seatings in select cities through January 2025 [10] Product and Sustainability - Primo Brands focuses on healthy hydration and sustainable practices, managing water resources for long-term sustainability and protecting over 27,000 acres of watershed [14] - The company employs over 11,000 associates and operates more than 50 production facilities across North America [15]
bluebird bio downgraded by Bank of America, shares tumble
Proactiveinvestors NA· 2024-11-15 17:38
Group 1 - Proactive provides fast, accessible, informative, and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience [2][3] - The news team operates from key finance and investing hubs including London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney, and Perth [2] - Proactive focuses on medium and small-cap markets while also covering blue-chip companies, commodities, and broader investment stories [2][3] Group 2 - The team delivers news and insights across various sectors including biotech, pharma, mining, natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto, and emerging technologies [3] - Proactive adopts technology to enhance workflows and improve content delivery, utilizing decades of expertise from its human content creators [3][4] - Automation and software tools, including generative AI, are occasionally used, but all content is edited and authored by humans [4]
bluebird bio(BLUE) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2024-11-14 15:06
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2024, the company reported total revenue of $10.6 million, down from $16.1 million in Q2 2024, attributed to variations in manufacturing timelines [15][18] - The company anticipates a revenue rebound in Q4 2024 with net revenue of at least $25 million as more patients are infused [15][18] - As of September 30, 2024, the company had $118.7 million in cash on hand, including $48 million in restricted cash [17][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has more than doubled patient starts from 27 to 57 across its portfolio since the last earnings call [8][11] - A total of 74 patient starts have been completed or scheduled in 2024, with 57 completed and 17 scheduled for the remainder of the year [11][12] - The company has plans to double the manufacturing capacity for LYFGENIA in 2026 based on anticipated demand [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - More than half of all states have affirmed coverage for LYFGENIA through preferred drug lists or published coverage criteria [13] - Nearly 50% of Medicaid-insured individuals with sickle cell disease in the U.S. live in states that have completed prior authorization approval for LYFGENIA [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for cash flow breakeven in the second half of 2025, contingent on securing additional cash resources and scaling to approximately 40 drug product deliveries per quarter [18][21] - The company is engaging with Hercules to secure adequate cash runway and extend financing options [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving cash flow breakeven in the second half of next year, supported by strong demand for therapies and a robust QTC network [21] - The company is optimistic about the sustained demand for its therapies, particularly LYFGENIA and ZYNTEGLO, as evidenced by patient scheduling and access approvals [12][46] Other Important Information - The company is currently seeking shareholder approval for a reverse stock split to regain compliance with NASDAQ's minimum bid price [20][49] - The company has implemented significant changes to optimize its cost structure, anticipating a 20% reduction in cash operating expenses by Q3 2025 [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Revenue dynamics in Q3 - Management confirmed that there is still 100% pull-through once cells are delivered to treatment centers, although scheduling variability exists [24][25] Question: 2025 patient scheduling - Most of the 30 patients scheduled for 2025 are in Q1, with some extending into Q2 [32] Question: Cash gap strategy - The company is in regular contact with Hercules and is exploring renegotiating key contracts to address the cash gap [33] Question: Conversion rates for scheduled patients - The conversion rate from scheduled patients to actual starts is virtually 100%, with some rescheduling occurring [36] Question: Manufacturing timelines - Manufacturing timelines are generally consistent, with LYFGENIA taking 90 to 105 days for completion [40] Question: Confidence in scaling deliveries - Confidence in achieving 40 product deliveries per quarter is based on strong demand signals and an expanding QTC network [46] Question: Shareholder vote details - The company has about 194 million shares authorized, with a request for additional shares through a reverse stock split [49][50] Question: Dropout rates in patient scheduling - The company reported a higher-than-anticipated pull-through rate, with minimal dropouts observed [52]
Bluebird Bio (BLUE) Reports Q3 Loss, Lags Revenue Estimates
ZACKS· 2024-11-14 14:10
Bluebird Bio (BLUE) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.31 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.38. This compares to loss of $0.66 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 18.42%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this biotechnology company would post a loss of $0.40 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.42, delivering a surprise of -5%.Over the last four quarters, the company has ...
bluebird bio(BLUE) - 2024 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2024-11-14 12:06
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 __________________________________________________________________ FORM 10-Q __________________________________________________________________ (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Num ...
bluebird bio(BLUE) - 2024 Q3 - Quarterly Results
2024-11-14 12:01
Exhibit 99.1 bluebird bio Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results and Highlights Operational Progress and 2024 Guidance - 74 patient starts completed or scheduled to date in 2024 across bluebird's commercial portfolio - - Third quarter 2024 net revenue of $10.6 million reflects quarter-to-quarter fluctuations in drug product infusions; anticipate at least $25 million of net revenue in the fourth quarter - - Management to host conference call today, November 14, 2024 at 8:00 am ET - SOMERVILLE, Mass. – November 1 ...
After Plunging -22.76% in 4 Weeks, Here's Why the Trend Might Reverse for Bluebird (BLUE)
ZACKS· 2024-11-08 15:36
Bluebird Bio (BLUE) has been beaten down lately with too much selling pressure. While the stock has lost 22.8% over the past four weeks, there is light at the end of the tunnel as it is now in oversold territory and Wall Street analysts expect the company to report better earnings than they predicted earlier. Guide to Identifying Oversold Stocks We use Relative Strength Index (RSI), one of the most commonly used technical indicators, for spotting whether a stock is oversold. This is a momentum oscillator th ...