03/12/2026

SB536 Explodes the Medical Malpractice Cap! Oppose Today!

Act Now!

Earlier in the legislative session, Mark Obenshain introduced SB 536, which initially proposed allowing pre-judgment interest to be exempt from Virginia’s medical malpractice cap. As the bill moved through the legislature, it expanded significantly and now proposes more than doubling the malpractice cap—from $2.75 million in 2026 to $6 million starting in 2027. The bill is now headed to a conference committee, where lawmakers could rewrite it further. The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) is urging physicians and supporters to contact their legislators and oppose any version of the bill that could increase financial pressures on physicians, hospitals, and healthcare providers. MSV argues that large increases to the cap could worsen financial strain on healthcare practices already facing economic challenges.

03/11/2026

Bristol Myers Squibb Announces Positive Phase 3 Results from the SUCCESSOR-2 Study of Oral Mezigdomide in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Bristol Myers Squibb announced positive Phase 3 results from the SUCCESSOR-2 clinical trial, evaluating the oral investigational drug mezigdomide in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The study met its primary endpoint, showing the combination significantly improved progression-free survival compared with standard therapy alone, meaning patients experienced a longer period before their disease worsened. Researchers reported a safety profile consistent with previous studies and plan to present more detailed results at an upcoming medical meeting.

12/11/2025

Virginia’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board needs guardrails to protect patient access

A recent commentary in the Virginia Mercury from Dr. Rich Ingram, VAHO President, highlights ongoing discussions around establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Virginia to address high prescription drug costs. While the goal of improving affordability is widely supported, the article emphasizes the importance of including safeguards—particularly if the board is authorized to set upper payment limits on certain medications. Without careful consideration of drug acquisition and administration costs, these limits could unintentionally make it difficult for providers to offer some treatments, particularly high-cost specialty medications such as those used in oncology. Policymakers are encouraged to ensure any affordability measures include protections that maintain patient access to needed therapies.