Issue 38, April 20, 2023
America faces daunting and complex healthcare challenges that include and go beyond the current pandemic. In myriad ways, innovative healthcare companies are developing solutions to improve access to care, battle disease, strengthen population health, and meet the needs of underserved communities. This newsletter will offer examples of Healthcare Leadership Council members answering the call. |
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| Merck, Moderna Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise in Preventing Melanoma Relapse A cancer vaccine developed by Merck, a Healthcare Leadership Council member, and Moderna showed positive results in a midrange trial in preventing relapse for melanoma patients. The director of the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania said at the American Association for Cancer Research annual conference that the Merck-Moderna approach "could be a game-changer." About 79 percent of high-risk melanoma patients who got the individualized mRNA-4157 neoantigen therapy and immunotherapy treatment were alive and cancer-free at 18 months, compared with about 62 percent of patients who received immunotherapy alone. Moderna and Merck are looking to expand their research into other tumor types, including non-small cell lung cancer.
Data from the trial "provide evidence for the potential of mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA to improve recurrence-free survival when given to patients with resected high-risk melanoma," said Dr. Eliay Barr, senior vice president, head of global clinical development and chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories. "These data support the potential of mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA to help fight melanoma earlier and warrant investigation of the combination in a larger Phase 3 trial."
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Aetna Collaboration Providing Virtual Care for Digestive Disorders
Aetna, a CVS Health company and a member of the Healthcare Leadership Council has announced a new value-based collaboration with Oshi Health to provide in-network access to Oshi's integrated multidisciplinary care teams for high-touch care and specialized treatment to achieve lasting control over chronic digestive conditions. In the first phase of this collaboration, Aetna will make these services accessible to commercial members in six states with more to be added in 2023.
Digestive health issues affect one in four working age adults in America and are best treated with a coordinated and collaborative approach involving gastrointestinal specialized experts, including physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians and behavioral health specialists. Through this agreement, Aetna members have virtual visits with members of their GI care team from the convenience of their phones, and their care journey is supported by symptom tracking tools, instant messaging services, and more.
Vijay Patel, managing partner, CVS Health Ventures said, "Oshi's virtual-first, integrated approach to GI care aligns with our mission to invest in companies that are improving health for more people. Our collaboration with Oshi is a powerful example of how our investments in high-potential, early-stage companies are helping to make consumer health care more accessible, affordable and simpler." |
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