Drug Development and Drug Pricing

STAT+: FTC slams PBMs for boosting specialty drug prices at the expense of the U.S. health care system

STAT

JANUARY 14, 2025

And the findings may provide further impetus for legislative action to curb practices that critics say contribute to the rising cost of prescription drugs. For the second time in less than a year, the U.S.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Listen: VC struggles, drug pricing negotiations, & Novo’s abrupt Wegovy decision

STAT

AUGUST 8, 2024

How will we know if the the government gets a good deal in the first round of drug pricing negotiations? And has Allison thought about anything other than venture capital for the last couple of months? We discuss all that and more on this week’s episode of “The Readout LOUD.”

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

STAT+: How one biotech investor is changing his calculus now that Medicare can negotiate drug prices

STAT

FEBRUARY 7, 2023

NEW YORK — Biotech investors don’t often publicly lay out their strategies, but an executive with a top investment firm on Tuesday offered a rare glimpse into the math he and others like him are doing after Democrats empowered Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

STAT+: ‘We don’t agree’ on drug pricing policy, FDA chief tells biotech leaders

STAT

JUNE 7, 2023

BOSTON — The drug industry has spent the past year speaking against new mechanisms that could limit how much governments or insurers pay for certain new medicines. Robert Califf, the Food and Drug Administration chief, walked on stage Wednesday and told a crowd of biotech leaders that drug costs needed fixing.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Ahead of Medicare drug price reform, pharma’s drug pricing has a Streisand effect

STAT

JANUARY 23, 2024

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Hello, everyone. Damian here with a look at some polarizing cancer data, a strange CEO transition, and the importance of New Year cheer. Read the rest…

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

STAT+: Nektar Therapeutics sues Lilly for ‘misconduct’ in drug development deal

STAT

AUGUST 7, 2023

A behind-the-scenes feud over a drug development program erupted into public view as Nektar Therapeutics filed a lawsuit accusing Eli Lilly of undermining a project in favor of another deal.

Drug Development

Drug Development Drug Pricing

Does Moderna’s RSV vaccine lose efficacy faster than others?

STAT

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Also, Moderna’s RSV vaccine efficacy seems lackluster compared to competitors, and the Bernie Sanders drug pricing song-and-dance did not seem to faze pharma CEOs. Our podcast this week centers exclusively on a tantalizing subject: Artificial intelligence in biotech. Give it a listen. Read the rest…

Vaccines

Vaccines Drug Pricing Drug Development

STAT+: Just how much money do drugmakers gain from patent extensions?

STAT

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

Extending patent protection doesn’t just stretch a drug’s profits — in some cases, doing so can lead to its most significant revenue period, according to a recent analysis published by the Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge, or I-MAK, a nonprofit advocating for drug pricing reforms.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Biosimilars Drug Development

STAT+: Ted Love, BIO’s first Black board chair, aims to rehab biotech’s image in Washington

STAT

JUNE 5, 2023

He hopes to use his experience across the drug development process to improve the biotech industry’s reputation in Washington, following a bruising lobbying fight the industry lost when Democrats gave Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices, and the organization’s messy separation from its former CEO last year.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Today’s biotech news roundup, in under 800 words

STAT

NOVEMBER 28, 2023

We also talk about how the ARIA stemming from Alzheimer’s drugs isn’t taken seriously enough, and how state and local governments are suing insulin makers over drug prices. Read the rest…

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Opinion: Reduce drug spending by drastically simplifying monopolies on drugs

STAT

APRIL 1, 2025

spending on prescription drugs was almost $800 billion. Although low-cost generic drugs filled 91% of all prescriptions, the 9% of prescriptions filled with a branded medicine accounted for 84% of drug spending. In 2024, total U.S.

Prescription Filling

Prescription Filling Drug Pricing Drug Development

Opinion: The new law that could stealthily transform biomedical innovation

STAT

OCTOBER 6, 2022

Buried deep within the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug-price negotiation provisions is language that could open the way to a new era of biomedical breakthroughs and smarter health spending. But it will now be required for some drugs. Doing so used to be illegal.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Beam is trading like it’s 2021

STAT

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

Damian here with a look at a resurgence in psychiatric drug development, a big day for biotech stocks, and some innovation in the world of quarterly earnings. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning, everyone.

Drug Development

Drug Development Drug Pricing

Why CG Oncology will be the first test of 2024’s IPO waters

STAT

JANUARY 4, 2024

Damian here with an in-depth preview of a certain annual biotech conference, a look at the cutting edge of obesity drug development, and year’s first IPO filing. Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning, everyone. Read the rest…

Drug Development

Drug Development Drug Pricing

STAT+: Gilead plans to halt free access to an HIV drug, worrying patient advocates

STAT

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Gilead Sciences will no longer provide four HIV medicines for free as part of a patient assistance program starting at the end of January, alarming community activists who worry the move will limit access and, consequently, impede nationwide efforts to combat the infectious disease.

Pharmaceutical Companies

Pharmaceutical Companies Pharmaceutical Companies Drug Pricing Drug Development

NIH hit with chaos, cuts, and contractor purge

STAT

APRIL 4, 2025

Today, we dive into the implications of the ongoing cuts to various health and science agencies… It’s a doozy. Oh, and if you like talking about neuroscience and happen to be near San Diego this weekend, come hang with me and my colleagues at STAT@AAN : The Future of Brain Health. Read the rest…

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Cartesian’s CAR-T may help autoimmune patients long term

STAT

APRIL 8, 2025

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. I’m writing to you from San Diego, where STAT held an event during the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting this past weekend.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

STAT+: NIH grant recipients often fail to disclose agency support in patent applications

STAT

MAY 4, 2023

but its contributions to drug development are not well understood or recognized by most Americans. The National Institutes of Health may be the largest public funder of biomedical research in the U.S.,

Drug Development

Drug Development Drug Pricing

Wojcicki’s controversial bid to reclaim 23andMe

STAT

MARCH 4, 2025

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Today, we talk about the likely confirmation of FDA nominee Marty Makary, go in-depth on NIH nominee Jay Bhattacharya, and see how much 23andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki is willing to pay for her own company.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

The biotech news stories we’re keeping an eye on

STAT

JANUARY 17, 2025

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. This is Meghana. Hope those of you who were in San Francisco for J.P. Morgan are resting, recovering, and not coping with any quad-emic strains.

Immunity

Immunity Immunization Drug Pricing Drug Development

A setback for the tau approach to Alzheimer’s

STAT

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Today, we discuss Madrigal’s impressive launch of its MASH drug Rezdiffra, see psychedelics player Compass Pathways shed 30% of its staff, and more. This story first appeared in The Readout newsletter. Morning!

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Marks’ exit is not exactly helping industry sentiment

STAT

APRIL 1, 2025

I’ll be talking with researchers about the potential of using GLP-1 drugs for neurological conditions, and my Readout co-writer Meghana will be chatting with BMS’ head of development about the launch of their new schizophrenia drug Cobenfy. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today?

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

STAT+: Here’s why there aren’t many cheap, generic versions of pricey inhalers

STAT

MARCH 16, 2023

As a result, the study authors argued that a decades-old law designed to encourage generic drug development has failed to foster sufficient competition for inhalers and that reforms are needed to create lower-cost options. Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…

Drug Development

Drug Development Drug Pricing

STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about AstraZeneca CEO pay, alternatives to WuXi and more

STAT

APRIL 12, 2024

Enjoy, and see you soon… Western drug makers are talking to alternative suppliers in response to draft U.S. legislation seeking to restrict an important Chinese drug developer and manufacturer over national security concerns , The Financial Times explains. But be safe. The Biosecure Act would prohibit U.S.

Drug Development

Drug Development Diabetes Drug Pricing

STAT+: Pharmalittle: Pfizer touts study data for hemophilia drug; former Novartis execs cleared of bribery in Greece

STAT

MAY 30, 2023

Meanwhile, we hope you have a meaningful and productive day … Drugmakers have already hinted at suing Medicare over its new efforts to negotiate prescription drug prices, but a new report by nonpartisan congressional researchers suggests there are at least some parts of the law that cannot be challenged.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Chinese biotech says it will start first in vivo beta-thalassemia trial

STAT

JANUARY 22, 2025

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. I’m still recovering from yesterday, when Chicago was reportedly colder than Antarctica. I hope you’re all staying warm wherever you are. Let’s get into the news today.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

The biotech news you need to read today

STAT

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Morning, all! Today, we talk about the future of the BIOSECURE Act, layoffs at Recursion, and more.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Compounding pharmacies rebut Novo’s FDA petition

STAT

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Also, compounding pharmacies fire back at Novo Nordisk for its assertion that GLP-1 drugs are too difficult to compound. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox.

Compounding Pharmacies

Compounding Pharmacies Compounding Drug Pricing Drug Development

Vertex drug for cystic fibrosis wins approval

STAT

DECEMBER 23, 2024

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. This is our last edition of the Readout until January 3, so I hope you have a lovely holiday! A thought: If you’re strapped for gift ideas, you could always gift three months to STAT+ for $10.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Wegovy linked to lower risk of alcohol use disorder in real-world study

STAT

MAY 29, 2024

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. I hope everyone had a restful Memorial Day weekend.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Lilly’s obesity drug looks more potent than Novo’s in observational study

STAT

JULY 9, 2024

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. STAT published an investigation this morning on the untold story of the Human Genome Project and ethics concerns surrounding the ambitious project. Check it out here.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

STAT+: The U.S. has relied on cheap, effective generic drugs for 40 years. Now that promise is under threat

STAT

SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

Then, in 2018, she finally found a drug that kept her ADHD in check. STAT is co-publishing this article by Tradeoffs. Lisa Ann Trainor struggled to stay on top of schoolwork, hold a job or even perform basic tasks like laundry for six exhausting years. Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Is a contrarian leader good for the FDA?

STAT

DECEMBER 20, 2024

We also see Ionis win approval for a new drug, which means it will start bringing its commercialization efforts in-house. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Today, we have the highly anticipated CagriSema results.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Atai advances oral psychedelic in depression

STAT

AUGUST 13, 2024

We discuss that, and also some big policy developments that are coming this week. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Pfizer discontinues its experimental GLP-1 pill

STAT

APRIL 14, 2025

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Today, we discuss interesting new gene-editing data from Verve, see the NIH starting to convene advisory councils again, and more. Read the rest…

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Lilly takes more actions against unapproved versions of Mounjaro

STAT

JUNE 20, 2024

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. Here in Chicago, temperatures are high and tensions are even higher as two major hot dog restaurants are reportedly beefing.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Yet another big financing round in immunology

STAT

MAY 9, 2024

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. Congratulations on almost making it to the end of the week! For that, I have a little treat for you at the bottom of the newsletter. Read the rest…

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Is Novavax a new meme stock?

STAT

MAY 14, 2024

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. I’m making another plea to please fill out our brief survey ! We want to know how to make this newsletter more informative and helpful for you. Read the rest…

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

The public wants Medicare to cover obesity drugs

STAT

MAY 10, 2024

We see in a KFF survey that a majority of Americans want obesity drugs to be covered by Medicare, offer up a cool new podcast, and more. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

FDA offers new guidelines for Covid-19 vaccine

STAT

JUNE 17, 2024

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Today, we talk about the uptick in physicians using ctDNA to determine if resected cancers are truly gone, we see the FDA offering new guidelines for Covid-19 vaccines, and more. Read the rest…

Vaccines

Vaccines Drug Pricing Drug Development

What are the odds we get an heir to Paxlovid?

STAT

JULY 15, 2024

Today, we look at some promising, but early, gene therapy data from Lexeo Therapeutics, examine Medicare’s new price negotiation rules and their impact on innovation, and more. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

Can JAK inhibitors bolster checkpoint inhibitors?

STAT

JUNE 21, 2024

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Buenos dias! Writing from one of the more unique locations in my tenure as a Readout author… Hola from a mercado in Mexico City.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

FDA wants to hear your thoughts on advisory committees

STAT

APRIL 30, 2024

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Hello, I’m up bright and early today to report on earnings, with the help of some coffee (with pasteurized milk) and the soundtrack for the new Challengers movie.

Drug Pricing

Drug Pricing Drug Development

STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Lilly lawsuits, Novo Nordisk fires and much more

STAT

JUNE 20, 2024

Rise and shine, everyone, another hot day is on the way. The forecast – at least on this side of the pond – is warning us to find some shade. So to prepare, we are grabbing a parasol and, naturally, brewing a few cups of stimulation to see us through. Our choice today is orange creme.

Diabetes

Diabetes Compounding Drug Pricing Drug Development

STAT+: FTC slams PBMs for boosting specialty drug prices at the expense of the U.S. health care system

Listen: VC struggles, drug pricing negotiations, & Novo’s abrupt Wegovy decision

Trending Sources

STAT+: How one biotech investor is changing his calculus now that Medicare can negotiate drug prices

STAT+: ‘We don’t agree’ on drug pricing policy, FDA chief tells biotech leaders

Ahead of Medicare drug price reform, pharma’s drug pricing has a Streisand effect

STAT+: Nektar Therapeutics sues Lilly for ‘misconduct’ in drug development deal

Does Moderna’s RSV vaccine lose efficacy faster than others?

STAT+: Just how much money do drugmakers gain from patent extensions?

STAT+: Ted Love, BIO’s first Black board chair, aims to rehab biotech’s image in Washington

Today’s biotech news roundup, in under 800 words

Opinion: Reduce drug spending by drastically simplifying monopolies on drugs

Opinion: The new law that could stealthily transform biomedical innovation

Beam is trading like it’s 2021

Why CG Oncology will be the first test of 2024’s IPO waters

STAT+: Gilead plans to halt free access to an HIV drug, worrying patient advocates

NIH hit with chaos, cuts, and contractor purge

Cartesian’s CAR-T may help autoimmune patients long term

STAT+: NIH grant recipients often fail to disclose agency support in patent applications

Wojcicki’s controversial bid to reclaim 23andMe

The biotech news stories we’re keeping an eye on

A setback for the tau approach to Alzheimer’s

Marks’ exit is not exactly helping industry sentiment

STAT+: Here’s why there aren’t many cheap, generic versions of pricey inhalers

STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about AstraZeneca CEO pay, alternatives to WuXi and more

STAT+: Pharmalittle: Pfizer touts study data for hemophilia drug; former Novartis execs cleared of bribery in Greece

Chinese biotech says it will start first in vivo beta-thalassemia trial

The biotech news you need to read today

Compounding pharmacies rebut Novo’s FDA petition

Vertex drug for cystic fibrosis wins approval

Wegovy linked to lower risk of alcohol use disorder in real-world study

Lilly’s obesity drug looks more potent than Novo’s in observational study

STAT+: The U.S. has relied on cheap, effective generic drugs for 40 years. Now that promise is under threat

Is a contrarian leader good for the FDA?

Atai advances oral psychedelic in depression

Pfizer discontinues its experimental GLP-1 pill

Lilly takes more actions against unapproved versions of Mounjaro

Yet another big financing round in immunology

Is Novavax a new meme stock?

The public wants Medicare to cover obesity drugs

FDA offers new guidelines for Covid-19 vaccine

What are the odds we get an heir to Paxlovid?

Can JAK inhibitors bolster checkpoint inhibitors?

FDA wants to hear your thoughts on advisory committees

STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Lilly lawsuits, Novo Nordisk fires and much more

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