Latest news with #Britian
Business Journals
08-07-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
GLP-1 Drugs: Essential insights for employers
GLP-1 medications have attracted considerable interest in recent years due to their success in managing diabetes and contributing to weight loss. As these medications continue to gain traction, employers may encounter an array of opportunities and challenges, especially concerning cost control and employee health. What are GLP-1 drugs? Originally designed to help manage type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels, these medications are now frequently prescribed for weight loss as well. However, this increase in demand has had a notable impact on overall pharmacy spending, making it essential for employers to pay attention to how these drugs affect their health care costs. Why should employers care? One major concern is the skyrocketing price of GLP-1 medications. Pharmaceutical companies are charging Americans 10 times what they do in other countries such as Britian, Australia and France. When families and employers make a significant investment, we want the results to be successful. The rising appeal of GLP-1 drugs for cosmetic weight loss has led to a significant increase in off-label prescribing, which can result in the potential for unnecessary claims, legal or ethical dilemmas and the risk of poor health outcomes for individuals who may not receive the right support for their condition. How Univera Healthcare helps employers manage this trend As the GLP-1 landscape evolves, we are dedicated to keeping our policies aligned with the latest data to ensure the best outcomes for your team. On January 1, 2025, Univera Healthcare made important updates to our prior authorization criteria to align them with bariatric surgery standards. BMI requirements were increased to greater than 40 mg/kg2 or greater than 35 mg/kg2 with one more weight-related comorbidity. We did this to focus our resources on members facing the highest risks of serious medical issues and life-threatening complications. This decision came after thorough analysis and reflection of our commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of our groups and their members. To combat inappropriate prescriptions and further ensure the safety of employees, we employ utilization management programs. The prior authorization process requires health care providers to certify that a member is enrolled in an approved weight loss program and meets the necessary medical criteria for GLP-1 therapy. This careful approach aims to maintain access to requisite treatments while effectively managing costs. Through this management of GLP-1 use, Univera Healthcare has realized cost savings, as indicated by the graph below: expand 'Univera Healthcare is using what appears to be the most sensible weight loss GLP-1 prior authorization criteria in the marketplace, without significantly disrupting rebates.' — USI Partner What we know about the future of GLP-1 drugs In 2024, there were significant advancements with GLP-1 indications. Zepbound® received an expanded indication for the treatment of sleep apnea, enhancing its role in patient care. Wegovy® also expanded its indications by gaining approval for reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Additionally, as of January 2025, Ozempic® is now approved for use in patients with type 2 diabetes who also have chronic kidney disease. These developments represent important progress in the management of various health conditions under one drug. Given the market success of these products, there has been significant interest and investment in obesity medications. Many manufacturers are now exploring new approaches, including new drugs, alternative delivery methods, and improved side effect profiles. More than 15 new obesity medications are expected to gain approval over the next five years. Partner with Univera Healthcare While GLP-1 drugs possess the potential to enhance employee health, they must be utilized responsibly. By partnering with a pharmacy benefits provider such as Univera Healthcare, employers can better control costs, protect their bottom line and ensure their workforce receives the appropriate care.
Qatar Tribune
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Syria and UK re-establish ties in first top-level visit since 2011
dpa Damascus Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa received British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Damascus on Friday, marking the first visit by a senior British official to Syria since diplomatic ties were severed more than a decade ago. According to a statement from the Syrian presidency, the meeting was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani and focused on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. The discussions also touched on regional and international developments. In a separate session, Foreign Minister Al Shibani held an extended meeting with Lammy to discuss enhancing political dialogue and cooperation across various areas of mutual interest. Lammy discussed discuss bilateral cooperation, political transition, and regional security and emphasized UK support for Syria's reconstruction, inclusive governance, and justice for victims of the former regime, according to a statement issued by the British Foreign Office. Britain also announced new funding, including £2 million ($2.7 million) to support the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in eliminating remaining chemical weapons in Syria. London also pledged £94.5 million in humanitarian and development aid to support Syrian livelihoods, education, and countries hosting Syrian refugees. Lammy also met with Syrian Civil Defence (White Helmets) teams and women-led businesses supported by UK aid programs. A stable Syria is in the UK's national interest, he said, citing priorities such as counterterrorism, curbing irregular migration, and dismantling remnants of chemical weapons programme dating back to the era under long-time ruler Bashar Al Assad who was overthrown in December. Britian suspended its diplomatic relations with Syria in mid-2012 following the escalation of anti-government protests and civil unrest. Lammy's visit signals a potential shift in Western engagement with Damascus as regional dynamics evolve.
Irish Post
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later packs a grotesque punch with a political message
IT'S been 23 years since Danny Boyle's iconic 28 Days Later hit the cinemas. Some of you may not even have been born then, but for those of us who were you no doubt will recall the zombie apocalypse thriller which put chills up everyone's spines. A youthful Cillian Murphy was the central character of the film. He played delivery driver Jim who woke up from a coma in a London hospital 28 days after the outbreak of a deadly virus which had subsumed the country. Danny Boyle guides Aaron Taylor-Johnson on the set of 28 Years Later Naomie Harris and Brendan Gleeson were there too. The 'rage' virus had taken over Britain and civilisation had collapsed. There were only a few survivors left roaming what was left of the country, which was now littered with the blood-thirsty infected. Written by Alex Garland and directed by Boyle, this was terrifying stuff. Humans hunting humans. Life as we know it gone in a matter of days. There are terrifying new variants of infected in 28 Years Later The world that modern civilisation had worked so hard to build, Boyle had reduced to nothing. There was no law, no rules, no authorities. All that mattered was staying alive. It was ground-breaking in its ability to scare the bejeesus out of us while sending a clear political message too. There but for the grace of God go us, if we can't keep a handle on the darker side of humanity and the order that we have constructed to live within. Now, 23 actual years later, Boyle has done it again. He is back to tell the tale of what happens when zombies take over, but there is an underlying message about the dangers of nationalism, isolationism and some pretty pointed Brexit references too. Newcomer Alfie Williams and movie icon Ralph Fiennes give standout performances in the film In 28 Years Later we have a set of new characters, but the story is directly linked to the original. We meet survivors of the rage and we meet the infected too, in far greater and even more grotesque detail. Over the years the disease has evolved and there are a range of terrifying new variants of infected. There are 'fast ones', slow ones' and now there are 'alphas' too, which boast way more power and cunning than the undead that you will recall from the first film. Boyle and Garland are both back on board for this film, which is the first instalment of a planned trilogy. In it they offer a deep dive into the impact the virus has had on Britian, where an island society has formed away from the infected mainland – which is now under international quarantine. Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes star in Boyle's epic sequel The rest of the world has seemingly moved on, relatively unaffected, and left Britain to its own plight (which is pretty much Brexit in a nutshell). All that they must do is police the borders to ensure no one can leave the island. That doesn't stop people going in however, and one family's decision to make the dangerous journey to the heart of the infected mainland comes with horrific consequences. This is true horror in all its bloody glory, and it comes with an uber-accomplished cast – including Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes and Alfie Williams - who more than do it justice. In 28 Years Later Boyle and Garland have produced an epic extension on their zombie franchise. Luckily for us, as the first instalment of a trilogy, there is much more still to come. See More: 28 Years Later, Cillain Murphy, Danny Boyle, Jodie Comer
Scottish Sun
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Britain's most popular car brand is launching groundbreaking hot hatch with 4-wheel drive & blistering 400bhp engine
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITAIN'S most popular car brand has announced plans to create a groundbreaking new hot hatch. The 4-wheel drive car has a ferocious 400bhp engine, injecting some power into your drive, while Volkswagen takes on some stiff competition in the market. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Volkswagen has announced plans for a brand new motor Credit: Getty 4 The vehicle will be a four-wheel drive Credit: Volkswagen AG 4 The ID 2 R will have a blistering 400bhp engine Credit: Volkswagen AG Volkswagen have become known over the years for their dependable motors and relaxed driving experience. Vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf have seen overhauls over the years but have largely remained similar with each new model. That model has allowed Volkswagen to become the UK's favourite car brand, selling 166,000 models in Britian in 2024. However, the German manufacturer has announced plans to shake-up its slow-and-steady reputation. Executives are exploring giving a green light to producing the high-performance ID 2 R. The car would be the brand's first model to use in-wheel motors and would come fitted with a blistering 400bhp engine. Having two additional electric hub motors, alongside the standard ones within the rear vehicles, will boost the cars performance - without sacrificing boot space. According to Autocar, the German manufacturer is considering using a Balkan partner to develop the ID 2 R. It will also use dynamic drive modes, brake-based yaw control and predictive torque distribution. Volkswagen's R division hopes to ensure that the car remains light and responsive, despite the added weight. The hothatch would be going head-to-head with the turbo-charged Renault 5 Turbo 3E in the market for high-powered family cars. Inside the Volkswagen ID Renault's Turbo 3E can reach 60mph in just 3.5 seconds and can reach high speeds of 168mph. When announcing the high-end vehicle, a spokesperson for the brand said: "In 1980, Renault 5 Turbo was the 1st French production car with a turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 160 hp. "In 2025, Renault 5 Turbo 3E gives the legend a boost with a dual 540 hp¹ electric powertrain and far superior performance. "Precision engineering, responsive handling, and next-generation innovation: the turbo spirit is back. 1,980 cars produced globally, with extreme customisation options, right down to tailor-made solutions from our designers." It is also an EV, meaning it emits far fewer emissions than most vehicles. Volkswagen have been approached for comment by The Sun.
The Irish Sun
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Britain's most popular car brand is launching groundbreaking hot hatch with 4-wheel drive & blistering 400bhp engine
BRITAIN'S most popular car brand has announced plans to create a groundbreaking new hot hatch. The 4-wheel drive car has a ferocious 400bhp engine, injecting some power into your drive, while 4 Volkswagen has announced plans for a brand new motor Credit: Getty 4 The vehicle will be a four-wheel drive Credit: Volkswagen AG 4 The ID 2 R will have a blistering 400bhp engine Credit: Volkswagen AG Volkswagen have become known over the years for their dependable motors and relaxed driving experience. Vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf have seen overhauls over the years but have largely remained similar with each new model. That model has allowed Volkswagen to become the UK's favourite car brand, selling 166,000 models in Britian in 2024. However, Read More on Car News Executives are exploring giving a green light to producing the high-performance ID 2 R. The car would be the brand's first model to use in-wheel motors and would come fitted with a blistering 400bhp engine. Having two additional electric hub motors, alongside the standard ones within the rear vehicles, will boost the cars performance - without sacrificing boot space. According to Most read in Motors It will also use dynamic drive modes, brake-based yaw control and predictive torque distribution. Volkswagen's R division hopes to ensure that the car remains light and responsive, despite the added weight. The hothatch would be going head-to-head with the Inside the Volkswagen ID When announcing the high-end vehicle, a spokesperson for the brand said: "In 1980, Renault 5 Turbo was the 1st French production car with a turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 160 hp. "In 2025, Renault 5 Turbo 3E gives the legend a boost with a dual 540 hp¹ electric powertrain and far superior performance. "Precision engineering, responsive handling, and next-generation innovation: the turbo spirit is back. 1,980 cars produced globally, with extreme customisation options, right down to tailor-made solutions from our designers." It is also an EV, meaning it emits far fewer emissions than most vehicles. Volkswagen have been approached for comment by The Sun. 4 Volkswagen is the UK's most popular car brand Credit: Getty
