7 days in healthcare (March 7-13, 2022)

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SUMMARY

From the point of view of Biomedicine, the Lancet report on risk factors in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), one of the great burdens of all health systems, should be highlighted. Also the finding that COVID can cause brain damage, although its scope is yet to be determined.

As for Global Health, it is worth noting the WHO complaint that 16 health facilities have been attacked in the war in Ukraine, as well as the organization’s statement that women should have access to safe abortions, to avoid mortality as well as hospitalizations due to complications.

When it comes to international health policy, the advice for the next pandemic contained in a major editorial in the Financial Times is important. There would be three priorities: 1. Reduce the risk of the appearance of a new pathogen (controlling the markets where animals are sold, for example); 2. Prevent it from spreading throughout the world; and 3. Develop an effective weaponry with vaccines and treatments as soon as possible. The incidence of COVID is increasing in England and France, just as the outbreak in China is the largest since the initial one in Wuhan. A report by The Lancet analyzes the mortality from COVID by country and even (as in the case of Spain) by region in the different countries. Spain is among the nations with the highest mortality from COVID per number of inhabitants. In the United Kingdom, a conservative think tank, with the support of the British Secretary of Health, proposes that primary care physicians become primarily salaried, thus breaking one of the fundamental elements of the political pact that gave rise to the NHS (on the one hand, hospitals are nationalized, but, on the other, the consideration of primary care physicians as independent mini-entrepreneurs is respected).

In national health policy, it is found that the drop in the incidence of COVID stagnates in Spain. Private healthcare, through the IDIS Foundation, considers the interoperability of the clinical history of private healthcare patients, regardless of insurer or provider.

Of the activity of the companies, an analysis of the Financial Times comments on how the economy of the pharmaceutical companies works against the development of antibiotics. Europe has lost the race against the United States in the development of new drugs. Important publication of the Roche Institute of a manual on personalized medicine aimed at health professionals.

BIOMEDICINE

GLOBAL HEALTH

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH POLICY

  • COVID

o Lessons for the next pandemic, after two years of covid, an important Financial Times editorial. Three priorities: 1. Reduce the risk of emergence of a new pathogen; 2. Prevent it from spreading throughout the world; and 3. Develop an effective weaponry with vaccines and treatments as soon as possible (https://www.ft.com/content/c9640c9c-5a65-49fa-a8b2-c22cc1ffe508)

o The COVID pandemic has lasted two years. Next steps may be divisive (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/12/us/covid-pandemic-vaccines-mandates.html)

o The covid does not decrease, but increases, in France (https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2022/03/11/covid-19-olivier-veran-alerte-au-sujet-d-un -rebond-de-l-epidemie_6117120_3244.html)

o Covid cases and hospitalizations on the rise in England (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/11/covid-cases-england-omicron-levels-ons-data)

o China, fighting the largest outbreak since Wuhan (https://www.ft.com/content/1e7dab0d-3247-4cb7-8370-e1697d70d693)

o Chinese scientists, in search of an alternative to the “zero COVID” policy, which the Chinese government boasts so much about (https://www.economist.com/china/2022/03/10/chinas-scientists-are-looking-for-a-way-out-of-the-zero-covid-policy)

o Where did the 5 “Trillion” (American) dollars of Covid stimulus go(https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/03/11/us/how-covid-stimulus-money-was-spent.html)

o Mortality from COVID, three times higher than official figures (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/10/global-covid-19-death-toll-may-be-three-times-higher-than-official-figures), according to a major report by The Lancet (http://www.thelancet-press.com/embargo/COVIDexcessmortality.pdf)

o Austria suspends the first universal vaccination obligation (https://www.ft.com/content/65650cbe-10b0-4350-8eb5-691624be8c2d)

  • Other topics

o The pandemic has accelerated the demand for private healthcare services in the UK (https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj.o566)

o The NHS app should be the new ‘gateway’ to the NHS, says UK health secretary (https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj.o621)

o British primary care physicians should be primarily salaried (https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj.o594), says a report by a conservative think tank (https://policyexchange.org.uk/publication/at-your-service/)

NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY (SPAIN)

  • COVID

o The drop in infections stagnates in Spain, with the incidence still at high risk, with 430.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, far from 50 (https://elpais.com/sociedad/2022-03-12/la-caida-de-contagios-de-covid-se-estanca-en-espana-con-la-incidencia-aun-en-riesgo-alto.html)

o Sánchez announces that the mandatory indoor mask will soon be abolished (https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20220306/sanchez-anuncia-pronto-se-supulsara-mascarilla-obligatoria-interiores/2303441.shtml)

o Spain destroys more than a million vaccines against covid, most of them from Janssen and AstraZeneca (https://www.elespanol.com/espana/politica/20220306/espana-destruye-vacunas-covid-19-mayoria-janssen-astrazeneca/654184713_0.html)

  • Political announcements

o Congress backs the proposal of the political party Ciudadanos for a law on ALS (https://www.larazon.es/sociedad/20220308/pvwdajf2yrgljceanzw4qgsr6a.html)

  • Other themes

o The Valencian health system carries out almost 600 sex change interventions in five years (https://www.eldiario.es/comunitat-valenciana/sanidad-valenciana-realiza-600-intervenciones-quirurgicas-cambio-sexo-cinco-anos_1_8822169.html)

o 9,932 candidates will be able to choose a MIR position (https://www.diariomedico.com/medicina/medico-joven/mir/9932-candidatos-podran-elegir-plaza-mir.html)

o The IDIS calls for more accessibility in Oncology (https://www.redaccionmedica.com/secciones/privada/el-idis-pide-un-modelo-de-organizacion-en-oncologia-accesible-y-equitativo-7382)

o Change in the General Directorate of Farmaindustria (https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2022/03/09/companias/1646826907_604545.html)

o The Royal National Academy of Medicine joins the European Academies of Medicine with a declaration on Ukraine (https://www.ranm.es/noticias/4799-declaracion-de-la-ranme-sobre-la-situacion-en-ucrania.html)

o Private healthcare invests 1.3 million euros to give private healthcare patients access to digital medical records in 2023 (https://www.elespanol.com/invertia/observatorios/sanidad/20220310/sanidad-privada-invierte-millones-pacientes-historia-clinica/656184536_0.html)

COMPANIES, EMPLOYERS AND OTHER AGENTS IN THE SECTOR

  • International News

o The Sacklers will pay $6 billion for Purdue’s opiate lawsuits (https://www.consalud.es/ecsalud/internacional/sacklers-pagaran-6000-millones-demandas-opiaceos-purdue_111017_102.html)

o Kirin goes beyond beer and goes into healthcare (https://www.ft.com/content/1d99a0be-6e76-4327-8516-da549a5f767e)

o How Pharmaceutical Economics Holds Back Antibiotic Development (https://www.ft.com/content/29292a3c-321d-4187-9ff0-59d70eb796f4)

o Europe loses the battle against the USA and only develops 22% of new medicines (https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2022/03/07/companias/1646677340_160102.html)

o Sanofi acknowledges that they were late for the covid vaccine (https://www.elmundo.es/ciencia-y-salud/salud/2022/03/13/6229d430fc6c832c328b4584.html)

  • National News

o Korian: 60 new beds and more purchases to bill one hundred million euros in Spain (https://www.plantadoce.com/empresa/korian-60-nuevas-camas-y-mas-compras-para-facturar-cien-millones-de-euros-en-espana.html)

o Europe asks HIPRA to expand its clinical trial of the covid vaccine (https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2022/03/07/companias/1646677340_160102.html)

o The Roche Institute publishes a personalized medicine manual for healthcare professionals (https://www.institutoroche.es/recursos/publicaciones/201/Propuesta_de_competencias_en_Medicina_Personalizada_de_Precision_de_los_profesionales_sanitarios)

 

 

 

7 days in healthcare (February 28-Mars 6, 2022)

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SUMMARY

From the point of view of biomedicine, the approach (apparently possible) of obtaining a vaccine for the next pandemic in 100 days stands out, compared to 10 years of previous situations and the year of COVID 19. Concern, according to an editorial in The Lancet, for depression, which is estimated to affect one billion people in the world. The WHO warns about the high figures of obesity: 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents and 39 million children. Great hopes in the combination of gene therapy and xenotransplantation, with great impact on the future of transplants.

Regarding global health, the great concern is the health consequences of the war in Ukraine and the WHO calls for the creation of a safe corridor to carry medical supplies. Pharmaceutical companies plan to manufacture 2.9 billion COVID vaccines in Africa.

Regarding international health policy, it should be noted that, according to experts, billions of dollars are needed to prevent the next pandemic.

As far as national health policy is concerned, it should be noted that the incidence of COVID is falling, although more slowly than a few weeks ago, and the mortality rate remains high (more than 150 deaths per day). The (official) deaths from COVID already exceed 100,000 in Spain. The Ministry plans to give the COVID data twice a week, instead of the current daily frequency (except weekends). Great collaboration in medical supplies and supply of beds by Spain in the face of the tragedy in Ukraine.

If we talk about companies, we would highlight the information from FENIN that Catalonia manufactures more than 35% of the health technology produced in Spain. Also the important investment in Barcelona by Novartis in an antibiotic center.

BIOMEDICINE

GLOBAL HEALTH

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH POLICY

NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY (SPAIN)

  • COVID

o The incidence of COVID drops to 463 per 100,000 inhabitants, but the decreases are smaller than in previous weeks and the figure of more than 150 deaths per day continues (https://www.consalud.es/pacientes/especial-coronavirus/covid-19-espana-registra-22400-casos-174-muertes-ia-desciende-463-puntos_111057_102.html)

o 100,000 (official) deaths from COVID in Spain (https://www.redaccionmedica.com/secciones/sanidad-hoy/espana-supera-los-100-000-muertos-por-covid-desde-el-inicio-de-la-pandemia-7926)

o The Ministry of Health will give COVID data twice a week instead of daily (https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2022-03-02/sanidad-pasara-dar-datos-covid-dos-veces-por-semana-en-lugar-de-a-diario_3384902/)

  • Political announcements

o The bill project amending the National Security Law is published (https://www.congreso.es/public_oficiales/L14/CONG/BOCG/A/BOCG-14-A-91-1.PDF)

o The bill project amending the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation is published (https://www.congreso.es/public_oficiales/L14/CONG/BOCG/A/BOCG-14-A-92-1.PDF)

  • Other issues

o Catalonia wants to extend pharmacological abortion up to 14 weeks (https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2022-03-02/cataluna-quiere-ampliar-el-aborto-farmacologico-hasta-las-14-semanas.html)

o Spain will send more than 20 tons of medicines and medical supplies to Ukraine (https://www.elindependiente.com/espana/2022/02/26/espana-enviara-20-tonadas-de-medicinas-y-material-sanitario -to-ukraine/)

o The autonomous communities offer 3,000 beds to care for the victims of Ukraine (https://www.elespanol.com/espana/politica/20220227/ccaa-ofrecen-hospitalarias-acoger-victimas-invasion-ukrania/653434701_0.html)

o Spain joins the health PERTE at European level (https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/serviciosdeprensa/notasprensa/industria/Paginas/2022/030322-ipceisalud.aspx)

COMPANIES, EMPLOYERS AND OTHER AGENTS IN THE SECTOR

 

 

7 days in healthcare (February 21-27, 2022)

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SUMMARY

From the point of view of biomedicine, Bill Gates predicts another pandemic, although he estimates that he will catch us better prepared. Also to highlight the questioning of the traditional form of clinical trials. The latter is important, since Spain has become a power in clinical trials and it is important to analyze whether it is the right bet.

In terms of global health, it should be noted that COVAX has distributed exactly half of the COVID vaccines that it had as its objective. A great inequity in the distribution of vaccines in the world and, now, also of medicines against COVID.

As for international health policy, great controversy in the United Kingdom due to the lifting of all restrictions against COVID.

In national health policy (Spain), the incidence of COVID is low, although we continue with high mortality and without antivirals. The Ministry of Health takes the expansion of the service portfolio to a public hearing. Medical uneasiness before the reform of the Abortion Law, a BIOSIM proposal to promote the use of biosimilars and controversy over the financing of orphan drugs.

With regard to companies, it should be noted that the manufacture of Ventolín and Nolotil pollutes more than the automotive industry, which indicates how far the pharmaceutical industry has to go in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Also that Quirónsalud has exceeded the turnover of 4,000 million and Fresenius is open to incorporating new shareholders both in Quirónsalud and Eugin.

BIOMEDICINE

GLOBAL HEALTH

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH POLICY

NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY (SPAIN)

  • COVID

o The incidence of COVID continues to drop to 613 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (https://elpais.com/sociedad/2022-02-24/ultima-hora-del-coronavirus-hoy-en-espana-y-el-mundo-en-directo.html)

o 245 deaths in the sixth wave and still without antivirals (https://www.larazon.es/sociedad/20220225/3eq7hmpczjfe3ct7ruk3tz56wi.html)

o The subvariant of the stealthy “ómicron” accelerates its expansion in Spain (https://www.larazon.es/sociedad/20220224/3zfep56h6bf7jktf4fqvbnj3yq.html)

  • Political announcements

o The Ministry of Health takes out the draft order for the expansion of the service portfolio for a public hearing. Opinions in this regard can be sent via email informacion.publica@mscbs.es until March 10 (https://www.consalud.es/politica/sanidad-saca-audiencia-publica-orden-ministerial-actualiza-cartera-comun-sns_110420_102.html)

o AIReF announces a study on MUFACE spending in its plan for 2022 (https://www.airef.es/es/noticias/la-airef-publica-su-plan-de-actuaciones-2022-con-una-apuesta-clara-por-la-sostenibilidad-y-la-evaluacion/)

  • Other issues

o The medical groups, against the reform of the abortion law, propose the obligatory nature of performing it in public hospitals (https://www.larazon.es/sociedad/20220225/onwymfclwbbyfiamuan5il533e.html)

o Biosim presents 14 proposals to stimulate the use of biosimilars (https://www.diariofarma.com/2022/02/24/biosim-plantea-14-propuestas-para-fomentar-el-uso-de-los-biosimilares )

o Great controversy over the financing of orphan drugs, while the Ministry publishes a report with improvements in financing since 2016 (https://www.diariofarma.com/2022/02/23/sanidad-publica-un-analisis-sobre-la-financiacion-acceso-y-gasto-de-los-medicamentos-huerfanos-desde-2016) others insist that more than 50% of these medicines are not publicly funded (https://www.redaccionmedica.com/secciones/industria/el-50-de-los-medicamentos-huerfanos-estan-sin-financiar-en-espana-7267)

o The strategic health reserve today has 466 million masks and 955 respirators (https://www.elindependiente.com/espana/2022/02/27/la-reserva-estrategica-de-sanidad-cuenta-hoy-con-466-millones-de-mascarillas-y-955-respiradores/)

COMPANIES, EMPLOYERS AND OTHER AGENTS IN THE SECTOR

 

7 days in healthcare (February 14-20, 2022)

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SUMMARY

In biomedicine, we have to highlight the studies that are confirming a modest association between an increased incidence of mental illness after COVID.

As far as Global Health is concerned, mention should be made of the book by Ed Miliband, a British parliamentarian, former leader of the Labor Party and minister with Gordon Brown, which amounts to a manifesto on public health in the wider sense, which, at the moment, is already beginning to be a literary genre, among which the books by Gordon Brown, Minouche Shafik, Fareed Zakaria and, soon, Bill Gates stand out.

Regarding international health policy, verifying that the calculation of excess mortality is the best way to assess mortality from COVID. The problem is that this may be valid for Europe and the Americas, but not for Asia and Africa, where the low mortality figures are hardly credible. Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister, asks the G20 for a global financial solution to tackle the pandemic, similar to what was done in the 1960s with smallpox. The Economist highlights Africa’s low capacity for vaccine production, in contrast to its large population.

Regarding the national health policy, the first thing to mention is the drop in the incidence of COVID, which last Friday reached 919 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is compatible with the fact that mortality skyrockets in the sixth wave and there is a delay in receiving the new antivirals. The government approves the Science Law project, with controversial elements among researchers. The massive retirement of professionals (including doctors) is probably the most far-reaching problem of the SNS. The SEOM (Spanish Society of Medical Oncology) denounces the lack of equity in access to drugs and markers.

In business news, we must mention the FENIN declaration in favor of the manufacture of medical technology in Spain, to avoid dependency in the event of pandemics; also that the fifth vaccine approved in Europe (NOVAVAX) receives authorization to be manufactured in Galicia (Porriño); Rovi extends its alliance with Moderna for the manufacture of vaccines for ten years.

BIOMEDICINE

GLOBAL HEALTH

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH POLICY

NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY (SPAIN)

  • COVID

o The incidence of COVID drops to 919 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with 7.8% occupancy of hospital beds due to COVID and 13.7% of ICU beds (https://www.consalud.es/pacientes/especial -coronavirus/covid-19-spain-records-30615-cases-288-deaths-ia-baja-919_110353_102.html)

o Deaths from covid skyrocket in the sixth wave (https://www.elindependiente.com/vida-sana/salud/2022/02/19/las-muertes-por-covid-se-disparan-en-febrero-con-4-365-fallecidos-y-elevan-a-11-081-las-de-la-sexta-ola/)

o Waiting for the antivirals that Sánchez promised in January (https://www.elespanol.com/ciencia/salud/20220214/omicron-mata-espera-antivirales-sanchez-prometio-enero/650185438_0.html)

o Public health detects an explosion of scabies cases related to the pandemic (https://elpais.com/sociedad/2022-02-19/la-sanidad-publica-detecta-una-explosion-de-casos-de- scabies-related-to-the-pandemic.html)

o Sports events capacity returns to 100% on March 4 (https://www.consalud.es/politica/consejo-interterritorial-decide-recuperar-aforos-deportivos-100-4-marzo_110196_102.html)

  • Political announcements

o The Government approves the Science Law project that the sector sees with room for improvement (https://www.diariomedico.com/investigacion/el-gobierno-aproba-una-ley-de-ciencia-que-los-investigadores-ven-muy -improveable.html?check_logged_in=1)

o Changes in the portfolio of services: more oral health and screening (https://www.redaccionmedica.com/secciones/ministerio-sanidad/la-nueva-cartera-comun-del-sns-contempla-mas-salud-bucodental- y-screened-6455)

o Spain adheres to the International Vaccine Institute (https://www.consalud.es/politica/gobierno-aprob-adhesion-espana-instituto-internacional-vacunas_110110_102.html)

  • Other issues

o Health approves the new vaccination schedule for 2022 (https://www.larazon.es/sociedad/20220217/as5pmub735hwpmxosjjwlzapty.html)

o Strong mobilizations in the Andalusian health sector (https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/andalucia/2022-02-19/sanidad-andalucia-manifestaciones-sindicatos-partidas_3378408/)

o Mass retirement of health workers: a drag on the SNS (https://www.consalud.es/profesionales/jubilacion-masiva-sanitarios-quebradero-cabeza-sistema-nacional-salud_110332_102.html)

o Private healthcare demands a clear legal framework in the National Security Law (https://www.redaccionmedica.com/secciones/privada/la-privada-reclama-un-marco-juridico-claro-en-la-nueva- security-law-8788)

o Lack of equity in access to drugs and markers (https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2022/02/16/companias/1645013239_112550.html)

COMPANIES, EMPLOYERS AND OTHER AGENTS IN THE SECTOR

7 days in healthcare (February 7-13, 2022)

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SUMMARY

From the point of view of biomedicine, to highlight the advances that allow paraplegics to walk, through spinal implants.

Regarding Global Health, it is worth mentioning the WHO warning that the pandemic has threatened the health systems of 90% of the countries; as well as the health problems in Burkina Faso and Afghanistan.

In relation to international health policy, the WHO statement that the pandemic is not over and that more variants are expected should be highlighted. In some countries the restrictions are lifted (United Kingdom, Norway) while in others (Germany) they continue. HERA (the new European Authority for Preparedness and Response to Health Emergencies) begins its steps and will receive a budget of 1,300 million euros in 2022.

In national health policy, we are witnessing a relaxation of the restriction measures, as a consequence of the decrease in the figures of the pandemic (less than 1,500 per 100,000 inhabitants), although these figures are still high and are accompanied by high mortality. Nor is the appearance of new variants ruled out. On the other hand, in the face of loud announcements by the Government, the incorporation of Paxlovid, Pfizer’s medication against serious cases of COVID, is delayed. Work begins for the creation of the State Public Health Surveillance Network, one of the conclusions of the work of the Commission for Social and Economic Reconstruction of the Congress of Deputies of July 3, 2020 (point 19.2), although in the conclusions of the commission there was talk of “urgently implementing” this issue. It is addressed two years after the first death from covid. Also noteworthy is the great concern and mobilizations carried out by the nursing sector. The General Council of Nursing Colleges publishes a Decalogue, whose first point is “Spain without nurses” and the last “Enough of ignoring us”. Spain leads the consumption of anxiolytics, which does not seem like a minor problem.

As far as company news is concerned, mention should be made of the FDA’s delay in approving Pfizer’s vaccine for children under 5 years of age. Also the entry of Nestlé in the field of health, positioning itself in weight control.

BIOMEDICINE

  • Spinal implants allow paraplegics to walk, swim and ride a bike. Breakthrough driven by Grégoire Courtine, a neuroscientist at the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, and Jocelyne Bloch, a neurosurgeon at Lausanne University Hospital. The rupture of the cord prevents the transmission of electrical signals from the brain, which allows the implanted device (The Economist, 12 February 22)
  • There is a lack of evidence that current covid vaccines will produce herd immunity (American Journal of Medicine, February 6, 22)
  • A study analyzes the prevalence of loneliness in 113 countries, as a major health and social problem (BMJ, February 9, 22

GLOBAL HEALTH

  • The WHO warns that more than 90% of the countries have seen their health system threatened by the pandemic (interruptions in services, difficulties in accessing care, problems with emergency care) (La Razón, February 7, 22)
  • The WHO denounces actions by the pharmaceutical industry that make it difficult to bring covid vaccines to Africa. The declaration affects a foundation (kENUP) linked to BioNTech (BMJ, February 9, 22)
  • The armed conflict in the Sahel region (Burkina Faso) endangers the already weak health system (The Lancet, February 12, 22)
  • Afghanistan’s health system is collapsing under stress (NYT, February 6, 22)
  • Ukraine, fears that a health system that had made great progress in recent times is going into crisis due to the possible conflict (The Lancet 12 February 22)

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH POLICY

  • COVID

o The WHO warns that the pandemic is not over and that more variants are expected (ABC, February 12, 22)

o Covid levels remain high in many parts of Europe, but restrictions tend to be lifted (FT, February 11, 22)

o The 1918 flu had devastating effects the third year (Washington Post, February 6, 22)

o Protests against covid restrictions in France and the Netherlands (The Guardian, February 12, 22)

o Waiting lists in England exceed 6 million for the first time (FT, 10 February 22)

o Boris Johnson plans to end the restrictions due to covid a month earlier than planned (The Guardian, February 9, 22)

o China, ready to impose greater confinements in Hong Kong (FT, February 11, 22)

o A study detects that NYC deer are infected by covid (NYT, February 7, 22)

o Seven out of ten vaccines administered in the EU are from Pfizer (El Español, February 11, 22)

o Norway lifts all restrictions against the pandemic (El País, February 13, 22)

o Germany will not lift the restrictions against covid (El Mundo, February 10, 22)

  • Other issues

o HERA (the new European Authority for Preparedness and Response to Health Emergencies) will have a total budget of 1,300 million in 2022 (diariofarma, February 10, 22)

o The EFPIA publishes a white paper on the effectiveness of public procurement of medicines in the EU (EFPIA, February 22)

o It seems that the attempts of the United States government to lower the price of medicines by allowing the negotiation of their prices in Medicare are failing (NEJM, February 9, 22)

NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY (SPAIN)

  • COVID

o The low incidence of 1,500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Spain, although with 389 deaths on the last day with official information (La Vanguardia, February 11, 22)

o Delays in the incorporation of Paxlovid, Pfizer’s medication against severe COVID (El Periódico de España, February 11, 22)

  • Political announcements

o Spain begins to create the pandemic alert network, creating the State Public Health Surveillance Network (El Español, 13 February 22)

  • Other issues

o The nursing sector stars in demonstrations throughout Spain (La Razón, February 9, 22)

o Decalogue published by the General Council of Nursing Colleges (CGCE, February, 2022)

o Spain leads the consumption of anxiolytics in Europe, according to the latest report from the Narcotics Control Board (INCB), more than 2.5 million people consume psychotropic drugs daily (La Razón, February 12, 22)

o Spain doubles the number of leprosy cases in 2021 (The Objective, February 7, 22)

o The OMC (Collegiate Medical Organization), against Montero’s campaign on “obstetric violence” (El Español, February 10, 22)

o The Ombudsman intervenes in response to complaints of health cuts to MUFACE officials (La Razón, February 10, 22)

o In a meeting convened by the IMAS Foundation, specialists demand a digital health strategy (Health Act, February 9, 22)

o Cantabria wants to turn Valdecilla into a reference in precision medicine (Sanitary Act, February 10, 22)

COMPANIES, EMPLOYERS AND OTHER AGENTS IN THE SECTOR

  • Important medical bet by Amazon that is revolutionizing the health system in the USA (El Economista, February 12, 22)
  • The FDA puts a brake on the approval of Pfizer’s covid vaccine below 5 years (The Guardian, February 11, 22)
  • Novavax, the fifth vaccine, arrives in Europe the last week of February (diariofarma, February 10, 22)
  • China conditionally approves Pfizer’s treatment Paxlovid (The Guardian, 12 February 22)
  • CEOE: Adriana Bonezzi, new head of the health area (Medical Writing, February 7, 22)
  • Wivi vision. company that evaluates the capabilities of the visual system: agreement with General Óptica to implement it in its network of stores (PlantaDoce, February 8, 22)
  • Vithas joins forces with Genesis Care to launch a cancer center in Madrid (PlantaDoce, February 4, 22)
  • Pfizer more than doubles its profits in 2021, up to 22,000 million dollars (PlantaDoce, February 8, 22)
  • Nestlé Health Science buys Pronokal, positioning itself in the weight loss and control products sector (Diario Médico, February 7, 22)
  • J&J suspends the manufacture of its vaccine (Consalud, February 11, 22)
  • Dependency insurance grows 96% and closes 2021 with 128,000 insured (PlantaDoce, February 7, 22)
  • Durcal relies on Movistar to break into the elderly care segment (PlantaDoce, February 10, 22)
  • Nordic Cap and Amulet enter the bid for the IVI group, Morgan Stanley will receive the non-binding offers before February 23 (CincoDías, February 12, 22)

 

 

7 days in healthcare (January 31-February 6, 2022)

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SUMMARY

As far as biomedicine is concerned, the report on the value of death by The Lancet stands out; also the development of the nasal vaccine against COVID; the new horizon of transplants, derived from the possibilities of genetic editing of animal organs; and, the revolution that the new cancer vaccines based on mRNA technology may entail.

In terms of global health, the AstraZeneca vaccine is the most widely used worldwide, due to its contribution to COVAX. More than 2,500 million doses have been placed globally.

In international health policy, the most striking is the study by Johns Hopkins University, which minimizes the effectiveness of confinement, which contrasts with previous studies; the 900,000 deaths from COVID in the United States and the 500,000 in India; the WTO continues to request the release of vaccine patents. In Europe, it is worth highlighting the new clinical trial system approved by the European Union and its new approach to cancer.

National health policy continues to be dominated by COVID. The numbers of cases are decreasing, which speaks of the decline of the “sixth wave”. However, deaths are still very high. The announcement that oncological biomarkers will be included in the portfolio of the National Health System is very important. Cancer mapping in Spain presents very striking results, with a high concentration of cancer incidence in certain geographical areas. Subject to study and act.

In company news, the leading role of venture capital companies is notable, with the large operations underway by Sandoz (a generic and biosimilar branch of Novartis) and IVI (a Spanish fertility company). The interest of private equity companies is concentrated around these companies. Also the acquisition of MIR Asturias by CVC and the Alfonso X University. The attempt by Correos to enter pharmaceutical distribution will bring a tail.

BIOMEDICINE

  • Report on the value of death: while in developed countries there is hypertreatment around death, in most countries death occurs without access to basic pain treatment (The Lancet, January 31, 22)
  • The nasal vaccine may be better for successive doses. There are a dozen such vaccines in development in phase 3 trials (NYT, February 2, 22)
  • The “stealth” variant (stealth) does not generate alarm, but it can slow down the decline in the number of cases (NYT, January 31, 22)
  • The sub-variant “ómicron” BA.2, more contagious than the original (FT, 31 January 22)
  • The new variant BA.2, already present in 57 countries, according to the WHO (FT, February 3, 22)
  • New variant of the HIV virus, discovered in the Netherlands (FT, February 3, 22)
  • Genetic editing of pig hearts: a new horizon for transplants (FT, February 2, 22)
  • Cancer vaccines: the new mRNA revolution (El País, Vozpópuli, February 4, 22)
  • Amidst the wide debate on abortion, a simple pill seems the most viable option (The Economist, 5 February 22)

GLOBAL HEALTH

  • AstraZeneca, the most distributed vaccine through COVAX, has already given 2,500 million doses worldwide (ConSalud, January 31, 22)
  • Humanitarian groups denounce that sanctions against Mali may have very adverse health consequences (The Lancet, February 5, 22)

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH POLICY

  • COVID

o A study by Johns Hopkins University (Applied Economics Studies magazine) questions the effectiveness of confinement in reducing mortality, which contrasts with the analysis published in Nature in June 2020, which estimates that three million deaths have been prevented in Europe by confinement, 450,000 in Spain (El Independiente, February 3, 22)

o The UK approves the Novavax vaccine (FT, 3 February 22)

o The American army begins to fire its members who refuse the vaccine (The Guardian, February 2, 22)

o The New Zealand border will be reopened in phases from the end of February, the Prime Minister announces (The Guardian, 2 February 22)

o The United States reaches 900,000 deaths from COVID (The Guardian, February 4, 22)

o India exceeds 500,000 deaths from COVID (The Guardian, February 4, 22)

o Europe facing a “long period of tranquility” in the pandemic, says the WHO, due to the lesser severity of the “ómicron” variant, the high percentages of immunization and the good weather (The Guardian, February 3, 22)

o The WTO (World Trade Organization) wants an agreement to release vaccine patents this month (El Español, February 1, 22)

o The German Vaccine Commission recommends the fourth dose for vulnerable and health groups (El País, February 3, 22)

o Beijing seals off several communities for two cases of COVID (The Guardian, January 31, 22)

o The COVID vaccine is already mandatory in Austria, with a great social fracture (Expansión, February 5, 22)

  • Other issues

o New clinical trial system in Europe, which Farmaindustria sees as an opportunity (diariofarma, February 1, 22)

o The EU will act against inequalities against cancer (ConSalud, February 3, 22)

NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY (SPAIN)

  • COVID

o The sixth wave is being left behind, the cases and hospitalizations are slowing down, although not the deaths that already exceed 6,000 since November (El País, February 5, 22)

o The mask outdoors will no longer be mandatory from next Thursday (El País, February 4, 22)

o Health has not yet closed the purchase of 344,000 doses of Paxlovid (El Español, February 3, 22)

o The AEM authorizes the HIPRA vaccine to go to phase 3 of clinical trials (The Objective, February 1, 22)

  • Political ads

o The new public health center, affected by the decentralization of public offices (diariofarma, February 1, 22)

o The approval of oncological biomarkers, announced as a pending objective of the expansion of the NHS portfolio (diariofarma, February 1, 22)

o The Minister of Health says that the Anti-Tobacco Law needs to be updated (ConSalud, February 4, 22)

  • Other issues

o 27% of pharmaceutical innovations approved in 2021, subject to special financing conditions (diariofarma, February 1, 22)

o Access to new cancer drugs takes more than 19 months in Spain, while in Germany it takes two months, according to doctors and patients (La Vanguardia, February 2, 22)

o Health plan to make rural pharmacies more viable (ConSalud, January 28, 2022)

o The private e-prescription is consolidated (diariofarma, February 2, 22)

o The cartography of cancer in Spain has been published, with very striking results, according to the “Atlas of Cancer Mortality in Portugal and Spain” (El Periódico de España, February 5, 22)

COMPANIES, EMPLOYERS AND OTHER AGENTS IN THE SECTOR

  • American pharmaceutical companies (J&J and three of the largest drug distributors in the United States) agree to pay 590 million dollars to Native Americans for the opioid crisis (El País, February 1, 22)
  • Pharmaceutical cold distribution, new Correos service (Redacción Médica, February 2, 22)
  • Pfizer-Biontech requests authorization from the FDA for the approval of the vaccine for children under 5 years of age (El País, February 1, 22)
  • Private equity companies consider offers of more than 25,000 million dollars for the generics unit of Novartis, Sandoz, Blackstone, Carlyle and EQT, among the most interested (FT, February 1, 22)
  • KKR, CVC, Permira, Bain, Carlyle and PAI outline their bids to take over the fertility company of Valencian origin IVI, the bids range from 1,500 million euros (CincoDías, January 31, 22)
  • Atrys enters the continuous market, as of February 7 (PlantaDoce, February 3, 22)
  • Sanitas gains ground and plans to open 7 rehabilitation centers in 2022 (PlantaDoce, February 1, 22)
  • Adeslas and Caixabank extend their agreement in the Bankia network for 650 million euros (CincoDías, January 27, 22)
  • MIR Asturias acquired by CVC and Alfonso X University (La Nueva España, February 3, 22)
  • Quirón acquires Clínicas Vida and strengthens its care network in Tenerife (PlantaDoce, January 28, 22)
  • Vitaldent expands throughout Andalusia and opens a new clinic in Benalmádena (PlantaDoce, February 3, 22)
  • Group 5 opens a residence for serious mental disorders in Madrid (PlantaDoce, February 3, 22)
  • Prim is reinforced with the purchase of Herbitas laboratories (Expansión, February 4, 22)
  • Pharmamar leads a consortium of companies for the development of advanced therapies (El Economista, February 3, 22)

7 days in healthcare (January 24-30, 2022)

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Summary

From the point of view of biomedicine, the concern regarding resistance to antibiotics continues, after the extensive report published by The Lancet. This pandemic produces more deaths than AIDS and malaria. New variant of “ómicron” appeared in Denmark.

With regard to global health, the tenth anniversary of the declaration on “Neglected tropical diseases” should be highlighted, which provides an opportunity to reflect on a change in which progress has been made, but much remains to be done. COVAX does not have the capacity to receive more donations in the absence of basic financing for the purchase of syringes and other materials, essential to administer the vaccine.

As for international news, the WHO will publish a plan for the transition of the pandemic to the “control phase” in February. IHI initiative, of the European Union, to create a public/private platform for drug research.

In national news from Spain, the sixth wave seems to be starting to subside in terms of new cases, but still with high mortality. Interesting report promoted by Vitaldent on the public financing of dental care. Biosim highlights the savings potential of biosimilars in 2022. The issue of professional recertification advances, with a leading role for FACME.

In company news, the approval by the EMA of Paxlovid, Pfizer’s antiviral pill against COVID, is important. Also the large expected growth in turnover by COVID vaccine manufacturers in 2022 (29%, compared to 2021). Boom of online psychology platforms

Biomedicine

  • It is time to confront the pandemic of antibiotic resistance, since this resistance causes more deaths than AIDS and malaria. AMR Action Fund, a public/private initiative to develop new antibiotics, is underway (FT, January 28, 22)
  • The new BA.2 omicron, which appeared in Denmark, the stealthy variant of the “‘omicron”, warns the WHO that it may not be detectable with PCR (La Razón, January 25, 22)
  • New research identifies the 4 factors that can favor prolonged covid (NYT, January 25, 22)

Global health

  • 10th anniversary of the London declaration on “Neglected tropical diseases”, much progress has been made. Trachoma, schistosomiasis and visceral leishmaniasis are the most frequent of this type of disease (The Lancet, January 29, 22)
  • Developed countries throw away 61.5 million vaccines for having expired in 2021 (El Español, January 28, 22)
  • World Day against Leprosy, the covid pandemic has silenced it, a disease almost eradicated in Europe but still present in the world (ConSalud, January 30, 22)
  • Lack of funding to buy syringes and other accessories means COVAX cannot accept new doses of vaccines (FT, 25 Jan 22)
  • The United States donated 400 million doses of covid vaccine to 112 countries, according to the White House (The Guardian, January 26, 22)
  • Project Syndicate magazine publishes an analysis (How Much Has the Pandemic Cost?) of the economic impact of the pandemic, based on years of life lost and the value of life in different countries. If the official figure of 5.6 million dead at the end of 2021 is taken, this means 38 trillion (American) dollars or 40% of global GDP; If the estimate of deaths from The Economist (17 million) is taken, we would reach 114 trillion or 120% of global GDP (Project Syndicate, January 27, 22)

International News

  • The WHO will publish in February a plan for the transition of the pandemic to the “control phase” (La Razón, January 24, 22)
  • Notable increase in telemedicine in Medicare (USA) during the pandemic (JAMA, January 25, 22)
  • The British Medical Association recommends the use of FPP3 mask to health professionals who have to deal with patients with viral respiratory disease (BMJ, 21 January 22)
  • The new normal in New Zealand goes from covid 0 to covid acceptance (The Guardian, 26 January 22)
  • An Israeli panel recommends the fourth dose to all adults (FT 25 Jan 22)
  • In Canada, demonstrations against compulsory vaccination (The Guardian, January 30, 22)
  • The European Union launches IHI, a public/private initiative for drug research, as a continuation of the Innovative Medicines Initiative, which was launched in 2008 (Acta Sanitaria, January 26, 22)

National News

  • COVID

o The epidemic curve in Spain consolidates its decline, but experts call for caution (El País, January 29, 22)

o The sixth wave already registers 5,674 deaths from covid and could exceed the sixth before February (El Español, January 27, 22)

o Health and the communities extend the limited capacity at sporting events (El País, January 26, 22)

o The anti-vaccines are responsible for increasing deaths by 32% in the sixth wave, according to Fedea (El Español, January 24, 22)

o Those vaccinated have a hundred times less chance of dying if they become infected (El Mundo, January 28, 22)

o Catalonia abolishes the covid passport (La Razón, January 26, 22)

  • Other issues

o Financing dental health (one of the promises of the PSOE-Unidos Podemos government program) will cost the State 5,423 million euros, according to a study promoted by Vitaldent and presented to the Ministry of Health (El Economista, January 25, 22)

o A third of doctors will retire in the next five years (The Objective, January 28, 22)

o Telemedicine is good for reducing CO2 into the atmosphere, it would reduce 277,120 tons of CO2 in Spain in Primary Care alone, according to the report prepared by “GEN Europe Energy Solutions” (ConSalud, January 28, 22)

o More than 13,000 applicants opt for the 8,200 MIR places in the exam on January 29 (Acta Sanitaria, January 28, 22)

o Biosim puts the savings on biosimilars at 1,048 million euros in 2022 (diariofarma, January 26, 22)

o FACME claims its role in the recertification and creates a specific council, chaired by Cecilio Santander (Diario Médico, January 28, 22)

o ISFAS statement on difficulties in negotiating insurance companies-hospital groups for the coverage of this group (Sanifax, January 24, 22)

Companies, employers and other agents of the sector

  • The EMA approves Paxlovid, Pfizer’s antiviral pill against covid (El Economista, January 27, 22)
  • The large vaccine manufacturers will invoice 75,000 million euros for the covid vaccine this year 2022, this is a 29% jump over the estimate for 2021, according to the consulting firm Airfinity (CincoDías, January 25, 22)
  • Pfizer will produce 120 million doses of its drug against covid in Europe (El Español, January 29, 22)
  • Cinfa leads the market in pharmacies and Novartis in hospitals (CincoDías, January 24, 22)
  • The French group Orpea with problems in its listing due to accusations of mistreatment (FT, January 27, 22)
  • BioNTech begins clinical trial for “ómicron” vaccine (FT, January 25, 22)
  • The business of mental health: boom in online psychology platforms (El Periódico de España, 30 January 22)
  • Mifarma (the leading company in Europe for the online sale of pharmacy and parapharmacy products) reinforces its position in Spain with a new image and online platform (La Razón, January 25, 22)
  • United Imaging Healthcare lands in Spain hand in hand with APR Salud (PlantaDoce, January 25, 22)
  • Sanitas is interested in the purchase of the IMQ (Redacción Médica, January 26, 22)
  • Healthcare Activos continues its expansion and will buy a residence in Ferrol (PlantaDoce, January 21, 22)
  • Corachán becomes stronger in Barcelona with a new center in Sarriá (PlantaDoce, 27 January 22)

7 days in healthcare (January 17-23, 2022)

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SUMMARY

From an international point of view, the article published in The Lancet should be highlighted, in which mortality due to antimicrobial resistance, one of the most important causes of death in the world, is analyzed at a global level. Also the demand of the British Medical Journal that the scientific community have access to all the original data on the clinical trials of vaccines, since at this time these data are only accessible to employees of pharmaceutical companies. The Economist analyzes if the mandatory nature of the vaccine works, concluding that it does. It looks like all the COVID restrictions in England are going to end soon. The European Union gives more powers to the EMA, in case of having to manage future health crises.

As for the national news, the pandemic is still unchecked, in very high numbers and with high mortality; the debate on treating the covid as influenza continues, with opposing positions, those who are against it and those who defend it; the Ministry of Health wants to advance in the recertification, in dialogue with the FACME and the Organization of Medical Orders; The situation of health insurance in 2021 is presented, which did not stop growing, until the sector as a whole reached a turnover of close to 10,000 million euros; the Madrid College of Physicians signs a controversial agreement with UNIPROMEL, in theory to “defend doctors in free practice”, but, more possibly, with the intention of reinforcing the current weakened board of directors.

As far as companies are concerned, perhaps the most outstanding news is the sale by IBM of Watson Health, the artificial intelligence solution, designed to solve diagnostic and therapeutic problems, which had had so many problems in some centers such as MD Anderson from Houston. Although it was a good and ambitious idea, it was possibly ruined by short-termism, hyperselling and not taking enough into account the complexities of medicine and medical practice.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • The Lancet publishes an article on the mortality of antimicrobial resistance. 204 countries and territories are analyzed in 2019. 4.95 million deaths from antimicrobial resistance were found in 2019. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most important causes of death in the world (The Lancet, 20 January 22)
  • The British Medical Journal, after the Tamiflu experience, asks that the original data (raw data) from the clinical trials of vaccines be accessible to all researchers, not just those from the pharmaceutical industry, as is the case now (BMJ, January 19, 22)
  • The WHO gives the green light to the wider use of the third dose against COVID (FT, January 21, 22)
  • The fourth dose of the vaccine, infective in the extension of the “ómicron” variant, according to an Israeli study (FT, January 18, 22)
  • The Economist analyzes if the compulsory nature of the vaccine works. After analyzing the cases of Canada, France, Italy and Germany, he concludes that it works (The Economist, January 22, 22)
  • The covid passport strengthens the economy and vaccination (FT, January 18, 22)
  • Bill Gates warns against a pandemic potentially worse than COVID and calls on governments to spend billions of dollars to prevent it. He also says that this effort can contribute to improving the prevention and treatment of current extended diseases: HIV, tuberculosis, malaria (FT, January 19, 22)
  • All restrictions in England may end in March, according to the British Prime Minister’s plans (The Guardian, 17 January 22)
  • The EU approves the reform that gives more powers to the EMA in the management of future health crises (The Objective, 20 January 22)
  • Italy registers an increase in vaccination, after making it mandatory for those over 50 years of age (El País, January 17, 22)

NATIONAL NEWS

  • Situation of the pandemic

o COVID, still unchecked, breaks a new record of 3,418 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (El País, January 21, 22)

o The ICUs are at the limit of their structural capacity but far from the worst moments (El País, January 17, 22)

  • Debate about dealing with the covid as if were “flu”

o Two opposing positions:

 “Gripalizing the covid or how to believe we are winners”, article by Santiago Cervera, January 15, 22)

 Antonio Zapatero is committed to self-care and not to restrictions (El Español, January 17, 22)

  • Sick leave

o Processed 21,000 sick leaves and registrations in Madrid in the first days of the new system (El País, January 20, 22)

o The doctors accuse Escrivá of violating the law with the casualties, by giving in the same act for 7 days (La Razón, January 17, 22)

  • Recertification

o The Ministry of Health commits with FACME and the WTO to promote professional recertification (Acta Sanitaria, January 21, 22)

  • Situation schools

o The avalanche of school confinements puts families on the ropes (El País, January 21, 22)

  • Health insurance

o Health insurance grows by 4.93% in 2021 and totals 9,849 million euros (Acta Sanitaria, January 18, 22)

o According to forecasts by Javier Murillo, health insurance will grow in 2022 by around 5.5-6% (presentation at ICEA)

o MJ Montero (Finance Minister): great support for the MUFACE system (MUFACE Magazine, nº 252, winter 2021)

  • Other issues

o Organ transplants overcome the slump of 2020 and grow 8% in 2021 (El País, January 21, 22)

o Argimón presents the 2021-2025 health plan (Consalud, January 20, 22)

o Health, forced by Transparency to deliver to Farmaindustria the minutes of the Pharmacy Commission of the Interterritorial Council (diariofarma, January 16, 22)

o The MIR exam will bring together candidates from 4 continents and 88 countries (redacción Médica, January 20, 22)

o The Madrid College of Physicians signs an agreement with UNIPROMEL, “to defend free practice physicians” (Official Note ICOMEM, January 21, 22)

o Health awards 81 linear accelerators, in compliance with the INVEAT plan, three lots: Ab Salud, Varian and Elekta (ConSalud, January 18, 22)

COMPANIES, EMPLOYERS AND MAIN ACTORS IN HEALTH

  • IBM sells Watson Health to an investment firm. The sale was preceded by resounding failures of this artificial intelligence tool for medical diagnosis and treatment (WSJ, January 21, 22)
  • Moderna intends to launch a joint COVID-flu vaccine in two years (The Guardian, January 17, 22)
  • Djokovic has 80% of the shares in a Danish biotech firm (QuantBioRes) that intends to release a vaccine against COVID (The Guardian, January 19, 22)
  • Pfizer becomes the largest provider of the pandemic and it is estimated that it will double its income (eldiario.es, January 17, 22)
  • Pfizer, AstraZeneca and the Chinese Sinopharm and Sinovac will manufacture 70% of the COVID vaccines (CincoDías, January 20, 22)
  • Merck entrusts the manufacture of its pill against COVID to 27 manufacturers (PlantaDoce, January 20, 22)
  • More than 100 laboratories in Asia and Africa could manufacture vaccines for Pfizer and Moderna (El Independiente, January 19, 22)
  • The “telecos” take advantage of the pandemic to add clients in telemedicine (El Independiente, January 19, 22)
  • AstraZeneca, the most widely used COVID vaccine in the world that is no longer administered in Spain (El Español, January 21, 22)
  • St John of God (important hospital network in Spain, until now divided into three “provinces”) consolidates its management structure at the national level (Acta Sanitaria, January 20, 22)
  • Acciona, Sacyr and OHLA bid for a new hospital in Chile for 265 million euros (PlantaDoce, January 16, 22)
  • Dental Residency, objective by 2022 to double billing and provide coverage to 250,000 residents (PlantaDoce, January 20, 22)
  • The EMA asks HIPRA to show greater efficiency than Pfizer, if it wants to be part of the European Union’s portfolio (El Economista, January 18, 22)
  • HIPRA will carry out the last clinical trial of its vaccine at HM Hospitals (El Economista, January 17, 22).
  • Viamed is preparing an offer for one of the “Catholic” hospitals in Madrid: San Francisco and Beata María Ana (Sanifax, January 21, 22)
  • ASISA renews its Board of Directors with three members, one internal and two independent directors (Europa Press, January 20, 22)
  • Mercadona offered the Government to sell tests in its establishments at 2.90 euros. The Government preferred to keep pharmacies as the only test point of sale (Sanifax, January 20, 22)
  • Lilly publishes an overview of start ups in health in Spain (Lilly, January 22)

7 days in healthcare (January 10-16, 2022)

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SUMMARY

From the international point of view, several issues stand out. In the first place, the agreement of the French Assembly taken on Sunday, January 16, to prevent the access of the unvaccinated to leisure and restaurant premises; also Quebec’s initiative to introduce special taxes on the unvaccinated; the WHO’s opinion that it is too early for COVID “flu” policies, as proposed by Spain; the calculation by ISGlobal (Barcelona) that COVID has already left 17 million deaths globally; and the big push for research on neurodegenerative diseases.

As for national news, the SEMFYC (one of the Primary Care medical societies) editorial had a great impact defending the “flu” policies of COVID and, therefore, the minimization of measures, encouraging, consciously or unconsciously, the “light” negationism. This position was quickly adopted by the central government and certain authorities of the Community of Madrid. The central government even tried to lead this position at the international level. Rejection of this idea by other Primary Care societies, a large number of experts, the WHO and the EU. Meanwhile, the incidence of COVID continues to rise to figures never seen in other waves (2,923 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). The price of antigen tests is regulated, after multiple requests from various groups. It is agreed to extend the third and fourth doses. Serious problems regarding sick leave, for which solutions are articulated about the legality of which is in doubt. The purchase of COVID medicines is announced. Ayuso Plan to stimulate the birth rate in Madrid.

As far as companies and other actors are concerned, a group of scientists in Texas announce a vaccine against COVID, which, according to them, it will be cheaper, easier to make and patent-free. Pfizer announces that it will have a new vaccine against the “ómicron” variant ready in March

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • France: the Assembly approves by 215 votes against 58 the law that prevents the access of the unvaccinated to leisure and restaurant venues (Le Monde, Jan 16, 22)
  • Quebec’s plan on special taxes on the unvaccinated is well received in Europe. the argument is: “10% of the population cannot overload 90%”. Cold reception at the federal level in Canada and in other provinces. However, in Europe it is not receiving a bad reception: Greece and Austria already fine the unvaccinated, Italy is studying it, France extends the “covid passport” (BMJ, Jan 14, 22)
  • Fourth dose in Israel, which had already been announced for the immunosuppressed, is now being extended to health professionals and those over 60 years of age (Lancet Respir Med, Jan 11, 22)
  • The WHO considers that it is too early to treat COVID-19 as endemic, contradicting the Spanish government’s proposal, and predicts that half of Europeans can be infected (FT, Jan 11, 22)
  • COVID-19 pushed millions of Indians into poverty (The Economist, January 12,22)
  • Some experts predict a new COVID wave at the beginning of the summer (The Guardian, Jan 14, 22)
  • China’s zero COVID policy is creating problems for the manufacturing and distribution chain sectors (FT, Jan 16, 22)
  • Beijing reports the first case of the “ómicron” variant (The Guardian, Jan 15, 22)
  • COVID would have already left 17 million dead in the world (the official figures are 5.5 million), according to a study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, sponsored by the La Caixa Foundation (Diario Médico, Jan 15, 22)
  • The Epstein-Barr virus may play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis (NYT, Jan 13, 22)
  • The Economist looks at how healthcare is evolving into a consumer product (The Economist, Jan 15, 22)
  • Great boost to research on neurodegenerative diseases, with 260 drugs under development: Alzheimer’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s, multiple sclerosis, multiple systemic atrophy, Parkinson’s and others (Diariofarma, Jan 14, 22)

NATIONAL NEWS

  • Incidence of COVID and evolution of the sixth wave

o As of January 13, 2022, the 14-day cumulative incidence of COVID amounts to 2,923 cases/100,000 inhabitants. It is not clear if the peak of the wave has been reached or if we are still going up. In any case, the figures are very high (Official data Ministry of Health, update to  Jan 13, 22)

o Almost half of the Spanish provinces have ICUs at very high risk (El País, Jan 12, 22)

o The debate on those hospitalized “for” COVID and “with” COVID is introduced (El Independiente, Jan 10, 22)

  • “Influenzaization of the pandemic”

o An editorial in a journal of the SEMFYC (Spanish Society of Primary and Community Care Physicians), one of the three scientific societies of Primary Care, advocates the “influenza” approach  of the COVID, avoiding counting individual cases and omitting general measures of protection (AMF-SEMFYC, Towards the end of the exceptionality, Jan 10, 22)

o The other scientific societies of Primary Care, as well as most of the experts, took a stand against the previous proposal, at least until the sixth wave was passed.

o Notwithstanding the foregoing, both the President of the Government and Minister Darias, and certain representatives of the Community of Madrid, expressed their agreement with the approach as “influenza”

o Not only that, but that approach was taken to the WHO, which showed its disagreement. Spain wants to lead this debate in the EU (El Periódico de España, Jan 12, 22)

  • Regulation of the price of antigen tests

o The government (Interministerial Commission on the Price of Medicines) limits the price of antigen tests to 2.94 euros and they will continue to be sold only in pharmacies, with entry into force on Saturday, January 15, 2022. The price is 50% more expensive than in France and Germany (El País, Jan 13, 22)

o During the free sale period, the gross margin for pharmacies was 25-50% (El Economista, Jan 13, 22)

o FEFE expresses its “deep discomfort” at having to sell the tests at a loss (diariofarma, Jan 14, 22)

  • The third and fourth doses are extended

o The Ministry of Health announces a fourth dose for patients at risk and will extend the third to those over 18 years of age (La Razón, Jan 13, 22)

  • Purchase of COVID medications

o Spain closes an agreement with Pfizer to buy 344,000 doses of its drug against COVID

o The regions were unaware of this and ask for an equitable distribution (El Español, Jan 11, 22)

  • Serious problem with sick leave

o COVID causes more than 10,000 sick leaves per day in Spain (El Independiente, Jan 11, 22)

o This situation collapses health centers

o A system is put in place so that discharge and discharge (after 7 days) take place in the same act. Madrid calls for a regulatory change, to which the Government does not seem willing (El Economista Jan 12, 22)

  • Ayuso Plan to stimulate the birth rate in Madrid

o It is intended to go from 50,000 to 70,000 births/year in the region. The plan consists of aid of 500 euros, flexible working hours, deductions and support for assisted reproduction (La Razón, Jam 10, 22)

  • Other themes

o FACME disagrees with the recertification plan of the Ministry of Health, which launched a tender to hire a consultant (Official note from FACME,  Jan 13, 22)

o Teachers facing the return to classes, doubts with the new protocol and fears (El País, Jan 10, 22)

o A court condemns the Generalitat Valenciana to compensate the toilets for not giving them the means of protection (El País, Jan 11, 22)

o Ingesa attempts an agreement on biosimilars, which does not have the agreement of BIOSIM (diariofarma, Jan 9, 22)

COMPANIES, EMPLOYERS AND MAIN ACTORS IN HEALTH

  • A group of scientists in Texas announce a vaccine (CORBEVAX) that is cheaper, easier to make and patent-free (The Guardian, Jan 15, 22)
  • GSK rejects UNILEVER’s offer of 50,000 million pounds for its consumer division (FT, Jan 15, 22)
  • Medicare introduces major restrictions on the use of Biogen’s drug against Alzheimer’s (NYT, Jan 11, 22)
  • Adeslas will enter 1,655 million euros for MUFACE and ASISA 1,268 (PlantaDoce, Jan 12, 22)
  • Vivanta adjusts its network of centers, putting its beauty business up for sale (PlantaDoce, Jan 12, 22)
  • Pfizer says that it will have a new vaccine against “ómicron” ready in March (Redacción Médica, Jan 10, 22)
  • Merck acquires the US company EXELEAD for 789 million dollars (PlantaDoce, Jan 7, 22)
  • Medtronic reaches an agreement to acquire Affera (ConSalud, Jan 14, 22)
  • Eugin acquires the Delaware Institute of Reproductive Medicine (PlantaDoce, Jan 10, 22)
  • Caser Residencial acquires a new social health center in Laguna de Duero (PlantaDoce, Jan 13, 22)

7 days in healthcare (January 3-9, 2022)

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SUMMARY

From an international point of view, perhaps the most striking thing is the great global expansion of COVID, particularly of the “omicron” variant, with a record number of infections in the United States, of more than one million a day.

As for national news, official policy continues to trust everything to vaccination, avoiding other measures that may have certain political costs. The problem is the number of deaths, the collapse of the health system (which affects not only COVID cases, but the rest of the patients) and the large number of sick leave. The only measure at the national level is the obligation of the mask outdoors (about whose effectiveness many doubt), without addressing the need to control the aeration of premises based on CO2 meters; the avoidance of crowds; considering the mandatory nature of the vaccine for certain groups (health workers, teachers, etc.); the more agile activation of the third dose; ensuring the existence of antigen tests and regulating their price; the management of sick leaves in another more agile way, in such a way that Primary Care no longer completely collapses; and, ensuring the purchase and accessibility of new drugs against COVID.

Regarding company news, to highlight the record sale of 7 million antigen tests by pharmacies in the week of Christmas; and the great news that the Spanish HIPRA vaccine may be present in the second quarter of year 22.

INTERNATIONAL

  • 5 key articles published in JAMA on January 6: 1. A National Strategy for the New Normal of Life with Covid; 2. A National Strategy for COVID-19: Testing, Surveillance and Mitigation Strategies; 3. A National Strategy for COVID-19 Medical Countermeasures: Vaccines and Therapeutics; 4. The First 2 Years of COVID-19: Lessons to Improve Preparedness for the Next Pandemic; 5. The Pandemic Preparedness Program: Reimagining Public Health (JAMA, 6 at 22)
  • Deloitte publishes a document with the six major topics that will be present in health in 2022: 1. Health equity; 2. Corporate Social Responsibility: 3. Mental health and well-being; 4. Digital transformation and impact on delivery models; 4. The future of medical science; 5. Public Health, reimagined (Deloitte, https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/Life-Sciences-Health-Care/gx-health-care-outlook-Final.pdf)
  • The Lancet identifies humanitarian needs by 2022, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance will rise in 2022 to 274 million, from 235 million in 2021 (The Lancet, Jan 8, 22)
  • Peter Singer, possibly the most famous bioethicist in the world, says that, in the face of a shortage of ICU beds, according to him, vaccinated people would have a preference (Project Syndicate, 5 at 22)
  • The USA reports a record number of infections throughout the pandemic, more than a million a day (FT, 4 in 22)
  • Italy declares COVID vaccination mandatory for those over 50 (The Guardian, 5 at 22)
  • A Chinese city of 1.2 million inhabitants, in confinement, before the appearance of three cases (The Guardian, 4 in 22)
  • Israel announces vaccination with a fourth dose for those over 60 years (Vozpópuli, 2 in 22)
  • The WHO follows the new IHU variant identified in France but states that it is not circulating very actively (El Mundo, 6 in 21)
  • More patients and fewer professionals push New York hospitals to the limit (NYT, 7 at 22)
  • Military deployed to London hospitals, to compensate for the absence of personnel (The Guardian, 7 at 22)
  • The French presidency of the European Union (first semester of 2022), intends to take steps in promoting the “European Health Union”, strengthening the ECDC, EMA and HERA (ConSalud, Jan 9, 22)

NATIONAL NEWS

  • “Spain, sick, resigned and incredulous”, hard and accurate article by José Antonio Zarzalejos, on the absence of a strategy against COVID-19. He accuses of attempts to trivialize the attitude of the Spanish authorities (both national and regional), trusting everything to vaccination, but not adopting other measures, as in other countries. It has not even debureaucratized sick leave. The government gets out of the way, individualizing the response to the pandemic. (El Confidencial, 8 at 22)
  • The number of cases in Spain reaches record figures throughout the pandemic (2,722 per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days). The numbers of admitted and patients in ICU are somewhat lower than in other waves, but also worrying (Ministry of Health, Update no 537. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 01.07.2022)
  • Between the need to care for COVID, the administrative role for sick leaves and the personnel’s own dismissals, the «omicron» variant pushes Primary Care to the limit (El País, Jan 3, 22)
  • ICUs are as full as a year ago, with 10 times more incidence (El Español, 6 in 22)
  • More than a million children between 5 and 11 years old already have the first dose of the vaccine (El Confidencial, 4 in 22)
  • Spain is late in the purchase of new anti-COVID drugs, while other European countries already have reservations, but in Spain this was delegated to the autonomous regions (La Razón, 7 at 22)
  • The return to classes will be face-to-face at all stages from January 10, agreement of the Interterritorial Council (Sanitary Act, 4 at 22)
  • Health and communities say that at the school level, entire groups will only quarantine if there are five or more cases (El País, 7 out of 22)
  • Raise to five the positives in a classroom to confine them, something without scientific evidence, says the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (7 in 21)
  • Flurona, first cases of simultaneous influenza and covid infections in Spain (Expansión, 3 in 22)
  • December closes with 240,000 sick leave due to COVID, three times more than in November (CincoDías, 4 in 22)
  • A CIS study shows (?) That 55% of Spaniards are not being greatly affected by the pandemic (Vozpópuli, 3 in 22)
  • Great step back from smoking in Spain, they start smoking again like a decade ago (El Periódico de España, 4 at 22)
  • Almost forty organizations reject the Madrid Omnibus Law, published on December 23 and with a 7-day hearing procedure, between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, modifying 33 laws and 5 decrees in force in the Community of Madrid (Acta Sanitaria, 4 Jan 22)

COMPANIES, EMPLOYERS AND MAIN ACTORS IN HEALTH

  • Pharmacies sold a record 7 million antigen tests in the week of Christmas (CincoDías, 4 in 22) and in six months they have sold more than 21 million tests (El Debate, 6 in 22)
  • According to the Minister of Health, antigen tests will only be sold in pharmacies, contrary to what happens in other European countries (Diariofarma, 4 in 22)
  • Private hospitals denounce the Xunta for not compensating for its intervention during the state of alarm (La Voz de Galicia, 4 at 22)
  • HIPRA, the Spanish vaccine, already has a release date in the second quarter of 2022 (La Razón, 4 at 22)
  • The vaccine triggers the value of Novavax, Moderna, BioNTech and Pfizer on the stock market (Expansión, 6 Jan 22)
  • Pfizer and BioNTech will search for a vaccine against herpes zoster (CincoDías, 5 en 22)
  • The German Synlab buys the Valencian company Sistemas Genónicos, belonging to the Ascires group (Expansión, 7 at 22)
  • Rovi, newcomer and favorite among IBEX stocks (CincoDías, 9 at 22)
  • Telefónica has more than 50,000 clients in its telemedicine service (The Objective, 6 in 22)