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WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday morning identified the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as a tax, which means the constitutionality of the healthcare-reform package cannot be addressed until after that tax is assessed.

The court did rule the health insurance mandate, a key part of the Affordable Care Act, as unconstitutional; however, the government will continue to be able to tax people for not having health insurance.

WASHINGTON — A drug maker and a branch of the National Education Association have released a set of education resources designed to curb prescription drug abuse and misuse.

The NEA Health Information Network and Purdue Pharma announced Thursday the release of "Rx for Understanding," which includes 10 cross-curricular lessons for middle school students. The lessons are aligned with the National Health Education Standards and the Common Core State Standards.

WASHINGTON — A new continuing-education program offered by a national pharmacist professional organization aims to prepare pharmacists to communicate with patients about the safe and effective use of the painkiller acetaminophen.

The American Pharmacists Association said its new CE program would allow pharmacists to outline the Food and Drug Administration's recent advisory panel meetings on the drug, communicate with patients about its appropriate use, and engage consumers in dialogue and such activities as reading labels of products containing acetaminophen.

WASHINGTON — While the Supreme Court on Thursday morning left the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act mostly intact, the court did rule that Congress cannot withhold federal Medicaid spending from a state that does not expand its eligibility requirements under the act.

Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid was to be transformed into a program to meet the healthcare needs of the entire nonelderly population with income below 133% of the poverty level.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for treating overactive bladder made by Astellas Pharma, the agency said Thursday.

The FDA announced the approval of Myrbetriq (mirabegron), which works by relaxing the bladder muscle while the organ is filling. In patients with overactive bladder, the muscle can't be controlled, squeezes too often or squeezes without warning. Symptoms of overactive bladder include the need to urinate too often, the need to urinate immediately and incontinence. The condition affects about 33 million Americans.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for obesity in adults, the agency said Wednesday.

The FDA announced the approval of Arena Pharmaceuticals' Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride), designed for use alongside reduced-calorie diets and exercise, for chronic weight management. Eisai will distribute the drug.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new Daiichi Sankyo manufacturing center that the company said would strengthen its domestic and global supply chain.

The Japan-based drug maker said it received FDA approval to package products at the plant, in Bethlehem, Pa. The company said it would be the first noncontracted U.S. manufacturing operation. The plant employs 39 people, and there are plans to hire more.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has given tentative approval to Supernus Pharmaceuticals for a drug to treat epilepsy, the company said Tuesday.

Supernus announced the tentative approval was given to Trokendi XR (topiramate), a once-daily treatment for the seizure disorder. The company said final approval was conditioned on resolution of market exclusivity issues concerning certain pediatric populations.