Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:

Legislation May Impact Chinese Manufacturing Services in Biopharma Industry

A Senate committee has advanced legislation that would ban many biopharma companies from utilizing manufacturing and trial services from Chinese firms – targeting companies such as WuXi AppTec. The legislation could potentially harm many biopharma firms that rely on Chinese support and services. Critics warn that if the legislation goes through, it may impact the entire country due to the partnerships with WuXi and other Chinese firms.

Top Drug Producers Contest Inflation Reduction Act

Top pharmaceutical manufacturers such as Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk are preparing to contest the Inflation Reduction Act in a joint case hearing. These manufacturers argue that the government’s intervention in Medicare negotiations violates the Fifth Amendment’s clause prohibiting property seizure without proper compensation. Legal experts warn that proving such violation may be complicated.

Valisure Requests FDA Recall of Certain Acne Treatments

Pharmaceutical testing company Valisure is pressuring the FDA to recall acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide after benzene, a known carcinogen, was reportedly found in the products. Valisure’s repeated findings of benzene in consumer products emphasize the fundamental instability of benzoyl peroxide, which reportedly generates benzene at high levels.

Sun Pharma Partners with ‘Dr. Pimple Popper’ for Acne Brand Campaign

“Dermatologist Sandra Lee, widely recognized as “Dr. Pimple Popper,” is partnering with Sun Pharma for its Winlevi acne brand. The campaign uses humor spread awareness about how sebum causes acne, expressed through various connected TV spots.

Tarsus Launches First DTC Ad for Eye Drops

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals’ first consumer ad campaign for Xdemvy, a treatment for demodex blepharitis caused by an excess of demodex mites, is introducing the product in a playful way by depicting a ‘mite party’ getting drenched by the drug.

FDA’s Budget Likely to Remain Steady for Next Fiscal Year

It is projected that the FDA’s funding will remain the same until the end of this fiscal year. The latest appropriation bills package from Congress provides around $6.7 billion to the FDA, including almost $3.2 billion in user fees and roughly $3.5 billion in discretionary funding. The bill directs the FDA to repurpose at least $50 million for programs centered around ALS, drug and device shortages, and IT development.