PRN - A dose from MPA

April 3, 2025

In This Issue:

CEO Perspective

Legislative and Regulatory

FDA Approves First STI At-Home, Over-the-Counter Test for STIs

Professional Practice

Experimental Lilly Drug Cuts Genetic Heart Disease Risk Factor by 94%
Trial: AstraZeneca's Pill Halves High Cholesterol
Dermatologists Increasingly Prescribing Repurposed Drug From 1990s for Hair Loss
New Blood Pressure Drug Helps People With Uncontrolled Hypertension in Trial

MPA News

Register for the Annual Convention & Exposition
Sign Up for the MPF Cornhole Tournament at ACE
Purchase Additional Years of Membership in the MPA Store
Meet MPA's New Business Partner TalentBurst
Register for the 2025 MPF Golf Classic

MPA CE Offerings

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Career Opportunities Advertisement

Registered Pharmacist

Hannahville Indian Community

N14911 Hannahville Rd.

Wilson, MI 49896

This full-time position involves dispensing prescription medications, providing comprehensive drug information and ensuring patients fully understand their prescribed treatment plans. The role includes monitoring patient health and medication effectiveness to promote safe and optimal outcomes. Responsibilities also include accurately filling prescriptions, adhering to all legal and regulatory requirements and overseeing the overall operation of the pharmacy, including billing and compliance. Additionally, this position delegates tasks to pharmacy technicians and ensures proper supervision to maintain high standards of patient care and pharmacy operations.

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BS) or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from an accredited U.S. college of pharmacy and hold an active, unrestricted license in good standing with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy. A valid Board of Pharmacy Controlled Substance License is required, along with a Michigan driver’s license that complies with HIC insurance carrier requirements and reliable transportation. CPR certification is necessary or must be obtained within six months of hire. The ideal candidate should have a broad and current knowledge of medications, including potential interactions, as well as strong analytical skills to interpret complex medical information and recommend appropriate solutions. Excellent verbal communication skills are essential for effectively engaging with patients, health care providers, and other professionals.

WAGE: Commensurate upon qualifications.

DEADLINE: UNTIL FILLED

How to Apply: Submit completed “Application for Employment” to the Human Resources Department in the Tribal Administration building or mail original application postmarked with copies of licenses and credentials.

Application can be found here: hannahville.net/documents

Employment selection made pursuant to the Hannahville Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO) Title IV Chapter 3. Indian Preference.

CEO Perspective

Last call! Don’t let these two opportunities pass you by.

One, it’s last call for members to renew before losing their MPA membership. If you don’t renew by the Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE), then this will be the last PRN you will receive. Year after year, members tell us PRN is one of the most valuable benefits of membership. Don’t delay any longer. Renew today!

And second, it’s also last call if you want to attend ACE April 11-13, 2025, in Traverse City. The premier pharmacy meeting in Michigan is just one week away. You won’t want to miss all the great continuing education, networking opportunities and exhibitor contacts that are the hallmark of ACE. Register today! Still need a room? Better reserve one at the Grand Traverse Resort today!

I look forward to seeing everyone next week at ACE!

Mark A. Glasper

CEO

Legislative and Regulatory

FDA Approves First At-Home, Over-the-Counter Test for STIs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first-ever testing kit for sexually transmitted infections that can be taken at home without a prescription. But it's not for everyone.

The FDA granted marketing authorization for the diagnostic test, the Visby Medical Women’s Sexual Health Test, to Visby Medical on Friday. The at-home kit, according to the FDA, is the first of its kind to test for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, three of the most common STIs with symptoms that often go unnoticed.

The kit is intended for use in female patients with or without symptoms. It is single-use and includes a vaginal swab and a powered testing device that connects to the Visby Medical App. Results are displayed on the app about 30 minutes after testing.

Professional Practice

Experimental Lilly Drug Cuts

Genetic Heart Disease Risk Factor by 94%

The highest dose of an experimental drug developed by Eli Lilly significantly reduced levels of a genetically inherited risk factor for heart disease in a midstage trial, according to data presented at a major medical meeting on Sunday.

The drug, lepodisiran, reduced levels of lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), by an average of 93.9% versus placebo over six months after one or two 400 milligram doses. There were 141 patients in the combined 400 mg arm of the study, while 69 received a placebo.

Trial: AstraZeneca's Pill Halves High Cholesterol

AstraZeneca experimental cholesterol drug significantly reduced “bad” cholesterol in a mid-stage trial, boosting hopes for a potential blockbuster that could be part of a powerful combination medicine targeting weight-loss and related co-morbidities.

The once-a-day pill led to a 50.7% reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol - or LDL cholesterol - when given on top of statins, according to data presented at the American College of Cardiology in Chicago. High levels of this cholesterol are a key risk factor in strokes and heart attacks.

Dermatologists Increasingly Prescribing Repurposed

Drug From 1990s for Hair Loss

Dermatologists are increasingly prescribing minoxidil in low-dose pills to help men and women maintain or regrow hair.

The practice follows a handful of recent studies suggesting the ingredient works as well — and possibly better — when swallowed, rather than applied to hair follicles on the head. Telehealth companies are also driving new demand by offering a quick, easy way to get a prescription and have the pills shipped directly to customers' doors.

New Blood Pressure Drug Helps People

with Uncontrolled Hypertension in Trial

A new type of medication may help lower blood pressure in people with uncontrolled hypertension, researchers reported Saturday at the annual meeting of American College of Cardiology in Chicago.

In a pivotal Phase 2b clinical trial, patients who took the experimental medication lorundrostat along with two or three currently available hypertension drugs saw a decrease in systolic blood pressure (the upper number) that was 8 points greater than what was seen in patients who got a placebo. The study will be published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

MPA News

One Week Remains Until ACE 2025!

There's just one week left to pre-register for the 2025 Annual Convention & Exposition! ACE is the premier pharmacy continuing education event in Michigan, taking place April 11-13, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Of course, if you don't register before the convention, you can still register on-site for all three days.

Be sure to sign up now and book your room. The Grand Traverse Resort is almost sold out, so act now! To view the full table of convention pricing, click here. If you need off-site rooming options, visit traversecity.com/hotels.

We encourage our members to make the 2025 ACE their "stay-cation" – golf, water activities and wineries are just a few things you can do in beautiful Traverse City. After you register for ACE, be sure to book your room at the Grand Traverse Resort. Click the booking link below or call 231-534-6001 to speak with a reservations agent. Attendees will receive the discounted rate if they mention the Michigan Pharmacists Association.

Book Your Room

Plan Your Stay

The 2nd Annual MPF Cornhole Tournament will take place at the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition Friday, April 11, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa!

The tournament will take place next to convention registration, just outside the expo hall, from 5-8 p.m.

The cost to enter is $25 per person or $50 per team.

All funds raised will be matched by generous donors up to $1,000!

Step 1: Fill out the Google Form to register

Step 2: Go to the GiveButter site to pay your registration fee

Step 3: Meet outside the expo hall at 4:45 p.m. Friday, April 11 ready to play!

Of course if you haven't registered for ACE, do so now! Don't forget to book your room too!

Pay Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I don't have a partner?

A: Teams are preferred, but we can match you with a partner if you do not have one.

Q: Will there be prizes?

A: Yes! Each player of the winning team will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.

Q: What does the money go toward?

A: We are proud to be using any funds raised to "Foster the Future of Pharmacy" by providing scholarships for student pharmacists and putting on our Health Professional Leadership Academy (HPLA)!

Purchase Additional Years of Membership in the MPA Store

Did you know MPA offers the ability to purchase two additional years of membership at a reduced cost? If you are a current MPA member, take advantage of this opportunity to receive a 10% discount by extending your membership.

Simply visit the MPA Store and select the extension product that matches your current membership. Note: This offer can only be redeemed in the MPA Store and is not available through your Member Compass.

MPA Store

Meet MPA's New Business Partner TalentBurst

The Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is proud to announce its strategic partnership with TalentBurst Health and Life Sciences, a leading provider of health care staffing and workforce solutions. This collaboration aims to help MPA member organizations address talent acquisition challenges while offering job seekers valuable opportunities to advance their careers in pharmacy and healthcare.

TalentBurst specializes in connecting organizations with top talent in pharmacy, healthcare, and non-clinical roles, using customized strategies that prioritize quality, compliance and efficiency.

Through this partnership, MPA members gain access to a robust talent network and streamlined hiring processes, while job seekers benefit from personalized guidance, diverse career opportunities and a seamless job search experience. Together, MPA and TalentBurst are committed to driving success for member organizations and empowering healthcare professionals.

TalentBurst is an MBE certified by the NMSDC and accredited by the Joint Commission, underscoring its dedication to quality patient care.

For more information, visit talentburst.com or contact Harvey Fodor at (508) 848-0083 or mpa@talentburst.com.

Registration for the 2025 MPF Golf Classic is Open!

Don't miss out on the 2025 Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Golf Classic, set to take place June 11 at beautiful Timber Trace Golf Glub in Pickney! This 18-hole, four-person scramble is the signature event for MPF and once again will be featuring a $25,000 hole-in-one contest.

Early Bird registration is available through May 25. Early Bird rates are:

$85 per pharmacy student
$175 per individual
$650 per foursome**

**Note: Foursome payments must be received at the same time to secure the foursome rate. As a special gift, a free golf glove will be provided for those who register before May 2 on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Registration includes greens fees and cart, driving range use, continental breakfast, lunch and the awards ceremony. Online registration closes at midnight June 8.

For questions, please contact MPF Executive Director Rick Drabek at 517-377-0227 RDrabek@MichiganPharmacists.org.

MPA CE Offerings

Upcoming Live CE Programs

MSHP Incorporating Social Determinants of Health into Residency Training and Research

April 29, Noon-2 p.m.

NASPA Point-of-Care Test and Treat National Certificate Program

Live Webinar: April 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mixed Format-Self Study & Live Webinar

APhA Pharmacy-based Immunization Training

Live Webinar: May 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mixed Format – Self Study & Live Webinar

NCAP Develops Substance Abuse Disorder Training Program

The North Carolina Association of Pharmacists has developed a comprehensive, one-time training program designed to give health care professionals a thorough understanding of preventing, detecting, and managing patients with substance use disorders. The program addresses prevention, treatment, and recovery, conceptualizing substance use disorder as a chronic brain disease affected by genetic, behavioral, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. The program will emphasize opioid use disorder (OUD) and is designed to equip participants with the information needed to treat and manage patients living with OUD effectively.

The target audience for this advanced-level training includes physicians, nurse practitioners/nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists as well as clinicians who see patients with addiction in primary care, emergency/urgent care, treatment centers, or general psychiatry settings.

IBT Home Studies

Couldn't make it to a live implicit bias training (IBT) session? Not to worry, our IBT home studies could be right for you! MPA currently offers two IBT home studies. Both meet all current Michigan licensing requirements. Click the buttons below to get started!

Original MPA IBT Home Study

IBT 2.0 Home Study

Looking for Something Else? Try MPA's On-Demand CE

In addition, MPA offers other on-demand pharmacy CE on a variety of topics that can be accessed 24/7/365 on its website. Click the button below to view our catalog of programs.

MPA Home Study CE