Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:

1. “Florida’s Drug Import Plan Draws Skepticism From Experts”
Experts in drug pricing are doubtful about the success of Florida’s recently authorized program to import cheaper drugs from Canada. Despite estimates of up to $180 million in savings in the first year, critics argue that the policy is more politics than sound drug policy and that actual savings may not materialize.

2. “Illumina Board Members Accuse Director of Sharing Confidential Information”
Directors at Illumina have alleged that activist director, Andrew Teno, who joined the board last year, improperly provided confidential information to investor Carl Icahn for a lawsuit. The lawsuit centers around Illumina’s 2021 acquisition of Grail, which the board members claim was based on “privileged information improperly provided by Teno.”

3. “IQVIA and Propel Call Off Merger Amid FTC Probe”
The merger of IQVIA and Propel Media has been abandoned following a probe and injunction from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC’s concerns over potential competition impairment led to a court-ordered injunction, prompting the decision to terminate the agreement.

4. “Semaglutide Reported to Lower Risk of Suicidal Ideation: NIH Study”
A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that the blockbuster type 2 diabetes and obesity drug, semaglutide, has a lower association with suicidal ideation compared to other diabetes and obesity drugs.

5. “FDA Leaders Urge Clinicians to Help Combat Vaccine Misinformation”
FDA Commissioner Rob Califf and Biologics Director Peter Marks have called on clinicians and the biomedical community to help counter vaccine misinformation. Their appeal comes amid concerns of a return of vaccine-preventable diseases due to falling vaccination rates.

6. “Merck CEO Eyes GLP-1 Combination Therapies”
Rob Davis, CEO of Merck, has indicated an interest in GLP-1 combination therapies, particularly in the metabolic space. He stated Merck’s interest in finding regimens that demonstrate not only weight loss improvements but benefits in areas such as heart disease and fatty liver disease.

7. “GSK’s ViiV Sponsors RuPaul TV Show for HIV Prevention”
GSK’s ViiV Healthcare is sponsoring a new season of RuPaul’s TV show to stimulate conversations around HIV prevention.

8. “Novartis Boosts Manufacturing Capacity for Pluvicto”
Novartis is increasing its manufacturing capacity for the radioligand drug Pluvicto at its Indianapolis site.

9. “‘The Next Prozac’ Desired by Sage Amid Postpartum Depression Success and Failure”
Sage Therapeutics is focusing on the potential for a significant breakthrough in postpartum depression treatment after past successes and failures.

10. “Evotec CEO Departs; Pacira Ushered Into New Era Post Novo Deal”
Evotec CEO, Werner Lanthaler, has resigned, and the former chief of Forma is leading Pacira into a new era following a deal with Novo Nordisk.