TRENDS & INNOVATIONS.(TO THE POINT)

Report: U.S. drug spending to double

Prescription drug spending likely will double by 2006, Merck-Medco forecasts. The biggest U.S. drug management firm said just over half of the increase will come on rising spending for cardiovascular and central nervous system drugs, such as those for depression, pain and arthritis. The projected trend is fueled not by senior citizens, but by baby boomers developing chronic health problems like heart disease and gastrointestinal disorders, Merck said. But many high-priced branded drugs will lose their patents in the next few years.

U.S. cancer death rates on decline

Overall death rates for all types of cancer fell …