Sanofi on Thursday announced plans to reduce the price of its most commonly used insulin by 78% in 2024, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from the District of Columbia and New Jersey.

• District of Columbia: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday proposed regulations for certain "forever chemicals" found in drinking water in the United States. If the regulations are implemented, it will mark the first time the federal government acted to enforce the removal of these dangerous chemicals before they reach residential areas and businesses. Under the proposed standards, the government would apply limits to six compounds of a family of more than 12,000 types of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposal aims to specifically limit perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid, the two most widely used PFAS, to four parts per trillion in drinking water. "This action has the potential to prevent tens of thousands of PFAS-related illnesses and marks a major step toward safeguarding all our communities from these dangerous contaminants," said EPA administrator Michael Regan. (Knutson, Axios, 3/14; Trang, STAT, 3/14)
• New Jersey: Sanofi on Thursday announced plans to reduce the price of its most used insulin by 78% at the start of 2024. The drugmaker's announcement follows similar moves by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, which earlier this month announced plans to cut their insulin prices. Following Eli Lilly's announcement, President Joe Biden called on other insulin manufacturers to drop their prices. Sanofi also said it would cap monthly out-of-pocket costs at $35 per month for patients with private health plans, following a similar move from Eli Lilly. In the United States, the three drugmakers control roughly 90% of the insulin market. (Robbins, New York Times, 3/16)
• New Jersey: FDA last week announced limited availability for Novartis' Pluvicto — a drug used to lengthen the lives of individuals with advanced prostate cancer — noting that the drug manufacturer is struggling to meet demand. According to Novartis, the shortage is the result of manufacturing and delivery challenges. To help manage the shortage, the manufacturer said it is currently prioritizing the supply for patients who have already started the six-course regimen. Novartis spokeswoman Julie Masow said the company is "taking the difficult but necessary step" of not allowing new patients to access the treatment. According to Masow, Novartis recognizes the difficulties patients are facing and is working hard to address the shortage. "Our ability to supply Pluvicto with only one approved site is presenting significant challenges, and we are working around the clock to generate as much supply as possible," she said. (Calfas/Evans, Wall Street Journal, 3/16)