Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
**1. US Reacts to Drugmakers’ IRA Counteroffers Amid Medicare Price Talks**
The US health department has responded to counteroffers from pharma companies engaged in drug pricing negotiations with Medicare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) aims to continue discussions but provided no further details. The CMS will conduct up to three negotiation sessions with companies before discussions conclude on August 1. Pharmaceutical companies have mainly remained silent on the negotiations.
**2. More Drugmakers Flag WuXi Risks Amid US Scrutiny**
Numerous pharmaceutical firms, both big and small, have disclosed potential for clinical trial delays and drug shortages should the US government blacklist WuXi-associated companies widely used in the biopharma industry. Almost three dozen companies have acknowledged their reliance on WuXi and the associated risks.
**3. Lilly Diabetes Drug Mounjaro Faces Short Supply Through April**
Four-higher doses of Eli Lilly’s type 2 diabetes drug Mounjaro will have limited availability until May due to increased demand. The US FDA has also recognized another lower dose as now being in short supply.
**4. AbbVie Launches New Corporate Campaign**
AbbVie has unveiled a new R&D-focused corporate strategy termed ‘The Case for Big Bets.’ The initiative entails setting ambitious R&D goals and expanding on research, technology, insights, and breakthroughs.
**5. Federal Court Grants Teva and Viatris Another Chance to Invalidate J&J’s Last Invega Sustenna Patent**
A federal circuit panel decision has provided Teva and Viatris with another opportunity to challenge J&J’s last remaining patent over its schizophrenia drug Invega Sustenna.
**6. Pharma Banks on Telehealth for Patient Access to Medication**
Pharma firms are increasingly leveraging telehealth to connect potential patients with their medications. Over the past three months, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, and Phathom have introduced new virtual healthcare options to facilitate access to prescription medicines. Industry experts believe this trend is set to become part of the future of drug marketing.
**7. Verve Pauses Lead Base Editing Program after Safety Incident**
No major details provided.
**8. Roivant Unveils Eye Disease Study Success, Proposes $1.5B Share Buyback**
No major details provided.
