I would be nice if someone developed a drug to reduce dental plaque…
DB2
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There are, but “big dentist” is keeping them from us plebes. 
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Re: New drugs
New drugs are constantly becoming available. They are claimed to be better than old drugs. They treat conditions like obesity that previously had no effective treatment.
Technology marches on – in medicine too. Prescribers need to keep up.
In Missouri I’m told physician must do 25 hrs of training each year (and pay $500) to keep his/her license.
Companies are working on 1-shot/wk insulin instead of 2-4 shots/day. FDA denied approval of one such drug. Other variations are in progress by other mfrs.
Of course, the best solution is a new pancreas matched to the patient, so no need for anti-rejection drugs. Have not seen anything in a while about that tech.
Where would the new pancreas come from? As a rule, only organs obtained from identical twins can be transplanted without immunosuppressive drugs.
They are doing some work on immunizing the patient to the new organ before hand.
intercst
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Wasn’t that something that stem cell research might solve?
Steve
Didn’t they recently transplant a pigs heart into a human? Pig specially modified to be compatible.
Other organs from animals are likely in development.
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It was a kidney.
intercst
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Good question. I saw the answer some years ago, but have not seen any follow-up since. Not sure why it was not pursued, but an actual working organ was grown and it functioned properly. The person who did the original work/discovery was forced out and the business does something similar but not the same.
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I just switched from Aetna/CVS to Wellcare, as my Aetna premium will increase from $5.30/month, $280 deductible, to $40.30/month, $590 deductible next year. The Wellcare plan carries the same deductible but a $0 premium.
Sounds like a no-brainer, except my 6 month prescription to specialty drug Erleada straddles the new year; 3 months in 2024 and 3 in 2025. The cost of the drug is $17,000/month - I paid just over $3300 out of pocket after hitting the catastrophic limit this year and should pay less - $2000 next year. I was careful to ensure the new plan covered the drug like the old plan and I am confident it does but just a heads up to anyone in the same boat to contact the new plan to be sure your switch is prudent.
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I have had the $0 premium Wellcare plan for a couple years. Their notice this year showed a slight increase, in deductible, or something, but I am a pill-free zone, so that is immaterial.
Steve
Elimination of the donut hole caused companies to readjust their plans. But also we hear that seniors who deferred treatments during Covid are resuming elective surgeries, etc. So claims are up a bit increasing costs.