Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:

Alnylam CEO Defends Changes to Key ATTR Trial

Alnylam CEO, Yvonne Greenstreet, has defended the company’s recent changes to the analysis strategy for an essential ATTR trial. The executive affirms that these alterations aim to demonstrate a significant contrast between the effects of Alnylam’s therapy and a placebo and are not responses to unforeseen difficulties. Revisions in late-stage studies are often interpreted as signs of existing issues, prompting skepticism from Wall Street.

Moderna Seeks Accelerated Approval for Cancer Vaccine

Biotech firm Moderna is keen to obtain accelerated approval for its cancer vaccine partnered with Merck, hoping to complete this by 2025. However, enough progress must first be made in the enrollment of patients into two ongoing Phase III clinical trials. The company also wants supportive durability proof from these trials before seeking faster regulatory approval.

Clinical Trial Starts Slow Down

An IQVIA report reveals that the launching of new clinical trials fell to pre-Covid levels in 2023. The analysis finds that even as biopharma R&D expenditure rebounded by $11 billion from 2022, fewer pandemic and non-pandemic trials were underway. The top four diseases subjected to trial starts—oncology, immunology, endocrinology, and neurology— however, experienced smaller declines.

Eli Lilly Backs Campaign for Obesity Treatment Coverage

The Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention (AWHP) has embarked on a “EveryBODY Covered” campaign aimed at advocating for broadened obesity treatment coverage for women. The initiative, funded by Eli Lilly, encourages women to lobby employers, insurers, and legislators for comprehensive obesity care coverage, particularly for obesity medications.

Needs for Price Reductions in Certain Psoriasis Drugs

A study conducted by Harvard Medical School and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital has concluded that the prices of certain psoriasis drugs need to be cut by approximately 71% to match their efficacy. US policymakers are encouraged to consider the approach of pricing drugs based on equations of clinical benefits to tackle this problem.

House Democrats Seek Briefings on Drug Shortages

Democrats on the House oversight committee are seeking briefings with Pfizer, Teva, and Sandoz on the chronic drug shortages. They want these drugmakers to indicate their strategies for resolving these shortages, which have existed for over a year. The companies produce several drugs in short supply, including antibiotics, ADHD meds, and cancer drugs.