STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a bill to overhaul the 340B program, a new FDA commissioner candidate, and more

And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda includes&#x A0;manicuring the Pharmalot grounds, escorting Mrs. Pharmalot to an afternoon soiree, and catching up on our reading. We also hope to hold another listening party, where the rotation will likely include this, this, this, this, and this. And what about you? Now that summer has officially arrived, this is a fine time to enjoy the great outdoors — beaches are beckoning, trails must be climbed and parks can be explored. Of course, those of you who prefer to hibernate could curl up with a good book, tidy up around your castle or watch some footie on the telly. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon… The chair of the U.S. Senate health committee introduced a bill to restrict the federal 340B drug discount program that has been lucrative for nonprofit hospitals, STAT writes. The bill by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) would implement many restrictions backed by the pharmaceutical industry, such as allowing drugmakers to give hospitals retroactive rebates, instead of upfront discounts that hospitals prefer. Hospitals could insist on receiving discounts, but only if they pass them on to patients. They would also need to establish a sliding-fee scale for prescription drugs. The bill would also place restrictions on the contract pharmacies that hospitals use to administer the discounts. Jeff Vacirca, a physician and leader of a prominent New York oncology group, is among the final candidates the Trump administration is considering to lead the FDA, Bloomberg News reports. Vacirca, who has a medical degree from St. George’s University, has served as the chief executive officer and chairman of New York Cancer & Blood Specialists since 2008. He co-founded and serves on the board of directors of OneOncology, a network of indep