• California: According to new research published in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science, a set of brain cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) may be associated with compulsive alcohol use. In the study, researchers from Scripps found that rats initially drank alcohol for pleasure but after repeated withdrawal cycles, they used alcohol to ease negative symptoms, such as depression, nausea, agitation, and fatigue, even in uncomfortable situations. The researchers also found that a set of brain cells in the PVT became more active when drinkers start associating alcohol with relief from withdrawal — a finding that identifies a potential biological mechanism behind addiction. Overall, the researchers concluded that negative reinforcement, drinking to avoid pain, and activation of the PVT are integral to how addiction is learned and continues over time. "Alcohol is providing relief from the agony of that stressful state," said Hermina Nedelescu, one of the study's authors, adding that alcohol dependence, like other addictions, is characterized by cycles of withdrawal, sobriety, and relapse. The researchers plan to identify the molecules behind the brain response and study any potential gender differences. (Delandro, The Hill, 10/8)
• Indiana: As part of its 10-year plan to modernize and expand its distribution network, Cardinal Health is building a new 230,000 square-foot pharmaceutical distribution center in Indianapolis. According to the Wall Street Journal, pharmaceutical distribution is Cardinal's most lucrative business, and the company added more than $10 billion in new business in the last fiscal year. Aside from the distribution center, Cardinal opened a logistics hub in July to distribute over-the-counter medications and is planning to retrofit several other distribution centers to add capacity and storage for specialty drugs. "We have to continue to anticipate what we need to do to keep growing our core business, but also how the industry is changing and what are the needs of our customers," said Debbie Weitzman, CEO of Cardinal's pharmaceutical and specialty solutions business. (Hamilton, Wall Street Journal, 9/30)
• New Jersey: Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is in talks to acquire Protagonist Therapeutics, in a potential deal likely worth over $4 billion, which was Protagonist's most recent market valuation. Currently, J&J and Protagonist are collaborating to develop an oral treatment for immune diseases, such as plaque psoriasis and ulcerative colitis. J&J owns roughly 4% of Protagonist's shares. If it acquires Protagonist, J&J would also gain access to the drug rusfertide, an experimental treatment for a rare blood cancer called polycythemia vera. According to the Wall Street Journal, J&J, like many other drugmakers facing patent expirations, has turned to both new in-house product developments and acquisitions to expand its pipeline of drugs. Earlier this year, J&J acquired Intra-Cellular Therapies, which makes medications for mental health conditions, for $15 billion. (Thomas/Dummett, Wall Street Journal, 10/10)

Of the 20 million Americans with a substance use disorder (SUD), only about 2.1 million suffer from opioid use disorder (OUD) specifically. In contrast, nearly 15 million have alcohol use disorder, which kills around 16,000 more people each year than opioids and is at least three times more expensive to treat. These statistics do not argue that providers should stop focusing on opioids. However, with only 12% of patients with a SUD receiving treatment, providers need a comprehensive strategy to increase access to a broader suite of services. Read our expert insight to discover the three step approach that cut readmission risk.