Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition associated with disability, work loss and economic burden to healthcare. Significant risk factors include poor sleep, physical and psychological stress, inactivity, advanced age and smoking. The contribution of greater weight and body mass index (BMI) to risk of LBP is less clear. Many past clinical studies have been small (fewer than 1,000 patients) or in specific patient groups, such as young men or patients who come to a subspecialty pain clinic, making those results more specific to those populations. 

In a new study from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, researchers have found individuals who are overweight or obese have a significantly higher risk of developing LBP compared to those with a normal BMI.

This study analyzed polypharmacy in Côte d'Ivoire using insurance data (2014−2018). It found a high prevalence of multiple medication use, especially among children under 15. While overall rates decreased over time, significant geographic disparities persisted, with some regions having up to 9 times higher odds of persistent polypharmacy. The findings highlight a critical public health issue and the need for interventions to promote rational medicine use across all regions.

This empirical study demonstrates that a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework is a feasible and consistent supplementary tool for evaluating the value of orphan medicinal products (OMPs) in China. Applying the framework to three OMPs, laronidase, emicizumab, and dimethyl fumarate (DMF), yielded consistent quantitative scores between independent assessor groups, establishing a clear value priority order.

This forecasting study analyzes the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on diabetes drug costs for Medicare in Louisiana, USA. It finds that price negotiations for three non-insulin drugs are projected to save approximately $400 million over five years (2026−2030). A key driver of savings is a shift in medication use, as patients are expected to switch from non-negotiated to negotiated drugs due to lower costs.