• Maryland: FDA has approved a new daily pill that can lower cholesterol levels more effectively than statins and on par with more powerful drugs. The drug enlicitide is manufactured by Merck and branded as Lipfendra. It works by inhibiting the production of PCSK9 proteins, which play a vital role in regulating cholesterol. In clinical trials, Lipfendra was shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 60%, with two-thirds of patients cutting their cholesterol by at least 50%. Lipfrenda is the first pill that targets PCSK9. Although there are injectable medications that target PCSK9, they are more expensive ($500 to $600 a month) and insurers do not always cover them. In comparison, Lipfrenda's list price is $315 for a 30-day supply, though Merck said it expects out-of-pocket costs to be lower for many patients regardless of what insurance they have. Merck is also planning to offer Lipfendra at a discounted price through TrumpRx, the federal government's website aimed at helping patients find discounts on brand-name drugs. (Kolata, New York Times, 7/16; Weixel, The Hill, 7/16)
• Missouri: Centene recently appointed Lauren Tyler, a veteran finance leader, to its board of directors, effective immediately. Tyler has over 30 years of leadership experience in investment banking, private equity, audit, and HR roles and currently serves on the boards of Cencora and Guardian Life. She previously spent over 20 years at JPMorgan Chase and had roles at TSG Capital Partners, Allen & Company, and Morgan Stanley earlier in her career. "I am honored to join Centene's Board, a company whose mission I deeply admire, and look forward to working closely with the company's leadership to make an impact on improving the health of the communities it serves nationwide," Tyler said. Centene CEO Sarah London also spoke positively of Tyler joining the board, saying that her "longstanding track record guiding global, complex organizations through transformation while prioritizing governance, talent development, and operational rigor will be key as Centene continues to evolve and deliver on its mission." (Parduhn, Healthcare Dive, 6/24; PR Newswire, 6/22)
• New Jersey: Hunterdon Health and Hackensack Meridian Health have signed a letter of intent to explore a potential merger between the two health systems. According to the organizations, the partnership would focus on enhancing patient care, expanding access to services, and accelerating innovation. However, they noted the letter of intent is not a final notice and that no immediate changes would be made regarding patient care, physician practices, employee roles, compensation, or benefits. "We are so excited at the opportunity to partner with Hunterdon Health as we look to transform healthcare in the future," said Hackensack CEO Robert Garrett. "We share a vision for the future of medicine – one rooted in innovation and truly patient-centered care." (Morse, Healthcare Finance, 6/24)

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