Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
Bernie Sanders Set To Introduce Legislation to Halve Prescription Drug Costs
Senator Bernie Sanders plans to introduce legislation that would reduce prescription drug costs by 50% in the US. This announcement comes amidst a Senate committee hearing discussing the diabetes epidemic. Sanders criticized the high prices of specific anti-obesity and diabetes medications, including Novo’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, for potentially bankrupting Medicare.
Biden’s March-In Proposal Alarms PhRMA and BIO
PhRMA president Stephen Ubl has condemned Biden administration’s new proposal on the use of march-in rights. The guidance has resulted in uncertainty around patent rights for prescription drugs and could potentially harm innovation, Ubl argued.
Sanofi and AstraZeneca To Supply 230,000 Additional RSV Immunizations
Sanofi and AstraZeneca are set to supply an extra 230,000 doses of their infant RSV immunizations from January, in response to high demand. This follows recent meetings between White House officials and vaccine manufacturers.
FDA Under Pressure from Republicans Over Foreign Inspections
House Republicans have threatened to subpoena the FDA if it does not provide information regarding foreign drug inspections. The FDA has been given three weeks to respond to a list of 22 questions focused mainly on inspections in China.
FTC Blocks Sanofi-Maze Deal Questioned
The FTC’s decision to block the Sanofi-Maze deal has left biopharma industry leaders questioning whether there was evidence of anti-competitive behavior by Sanofi. The FTC has made only limited information public.
Publicis Health Appoints New Chief Executive
Publicis Health will be headed by Stephen Farquhar, currently Chief Marketing Officer of Publicis Media, from February. He will replace Alexandra von Plato who will become chairman of Publicis Health.
White House Aims to Lower Drug Prices Further
Under new proposals from the Biden administration, fair pricing will become a standard part of contract negotiations for medical products developed or purchased by the federal government.
FDA Approves New Treatment for High-Risk Neuroblastoma
The FDA has approved eflornithine, a therapy developed by US WorldMeds to reduce the risk of relapse in adult and pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma.
Amgen Sponsors Irish Open
Amgen, following its acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics, will become title sponsor of the Irish Open starting in 2024. This marks a significant milestone in Amgen’s history in Ireland.
