Pharma and Biotech Daily: News Highlights in the Biopharma Industry

12/20/23 • 3 min

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world. In today's episode, we have several news updates in the biopharma industry. Let's dive in:## News 1: Uniqure's gene therapy setbackUniqure's gene therapy for Huntington's disease faced a setback as the company's share price fell over 10% following the release of more data from a small study. This news highlights the challenges in developing effective therapies for genetic diseases.## News 2: Novo Nordisk's investment in vaccine researchThe foundation behind Novo Nordisk plans to invest $260 million in vaccine research and development. The initiative will focus on developing vaccines for tuberculosis, influenza, and group A streptococcus. This investment reflects the commitment to improving public health and addressing global health challenges.## News 3: Biogen's market monopoly for TecfideraBiogen's multiple sclerosis medicine, Tecfidera, will maintain its market monopoly in Europe until early 2025 after European regulators revoked approvals for five generic versions of the drug. This decision ensures continued access to this important medication for patients with multiple sclerosis.## News 4: Merck's new pneumococcal vaccineMerck has received an FDA decision date for its new pneumococcal vaccine, which targets 21 strains of pneumococcal bacteria and would compete with Pfizer's Prevner 20 if approved. This development brings hope for improved prevention of pneumococcal infections.## News 5: Fewer biotech companies going publicFewer biotech companies are going public after a record run, and the article discusses how these companies are performing in the market. This trend suggests a shift in the biotech industry and raises questions about future growth and innovation.## News 6: Structure's obesity pill falls shortStructure shares plummeted as results from a phase 2 trial for their obesity pill fell short of expectations. This outcome highlights the challenges of developing effective treatments for obesity, a prevalent and complex health issue.Moving on to our next set of news:## News 7: FTC and DOJ finalize merger guidelinesThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have finalized merger guidelines that could make it more difficult for healthcare mergers and acquisitions to proceed. These new guidelines aim to ensure fair competition and protect consumers' interests.## News 8: Biden administration's call for action on child Medicaid enrollmentThe Biden administration is urging nine states to address high disenrollment rates in child Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These nine states account for around 60% of the decline in enrollment in these programs between March and September. The administration is taking steps to address this issue and improve access to healthcare for children.## News 9: John Muir Health and Tenet Healthcare deal collapsesThe deal between John Muir Health and Tenet Healthcare for the acquisition of a California medical center has collapsed following a lawsuit from the FTC. The regulators sued to block the deal over concerns that it could lead to increased healthcare costs in the region. This turn of events highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in healthcare mergers and acquisitions.## News 10: Molina Healthcare lowers sale priceMolina Healthcare has agreed to lower the sale price of Bright Health's California Medicare Advantage unit. The original sale price was $510 million, but it has been lowered to $425 million. This adjustment reflects the changing dynamics of

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Pharma and Biotech Daily: Industry Updates and Strategic Shifts

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech Daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the Pharma and Biotech world. Today, we have several developments in the industry to discuss.First, Structure, a biotech company focused on obesity treatments, experienced a setback. The results from a phase 2 trial of their obesity pill fell short of expectations, causing the company's shares to plummet. Similarly, Radiopharma's drug for prostate cancer did not meet analysts' predictions for its benefit, which could accelerate a planned takeover by Eli Lilly.In other news, Illumina has decided to part ways with Grail, ending their battle with regulators. Activist investor Carl Icahn, who is suing Illumina over its acquisition of Grail, continues to push for the removal of several board members. Additionally, Pivotal Life Sciences has reloaded with $389 million and is now hunting for deals in a downturn, tracking startups in the biotechnology sector that need fresh funds to move their programs forward.Moving on, Zimvie is selling its spine business to H.I.G. Capital for $375 million. This strategic move allows Zimvie to focus on its dental business and reduce its debt. BTIG analysts are optimistic that the medtech industry will rebound in 2024 after a "string of rough years," despite rising interest rates and concerns about the impact of GLP-1 drugs and supply chain issues.Glaukos has received FDA approval for its drug-releasing eye implant to treat glaucoma. This product has the potential to revolutionize glaucoma treatment by addressing noncompliance with eye drops. Freenome has also started a 20,000-subject study of its lung cancer blood test, which could provide an alternative to CT imaging and reduce radiation exposure.Moving on to the healthcare industry, Elevance and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) are reviving their proposed $2.5 billion merger after addressing regulatory concerns. The No Surprises Act's dispute portal has reopened as the CMS faces challenges in rolling out the policy. A lawsuit has been filed in New Jersey alleging that the state's telehealth licensure rules hinder access to care, especially for patients with rare conditions.Cybersecurity concerns remain as connected devices used in telemedicine enable real-time patient monitoring and advanced care. CMS has sent a letter urging health plans and PBMs to ease up on independent pharmacies before a new policy goes into effect.In the biopharmaceutical sector, Roivant has faced setbacks but remains focused on expanding its pipeline. Babson Diagnostics has received FDA clearance for its blood testing technology, bringing us closer to Theranos-like blood testing.Overall, these developments highlight the challenges and strategic decisions made by companies in the Pharma and Biotech industry. Stay tuned for more updates in our next episode. Thank you for listening to Pharma and Biotech Daily.

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undefined - The Pharma and Biotech Daily Podcast: Lawsuits, Mergers, Healthcare Tech, Biotech Deals, Marketing Insights, and Blockbuster Drug Predictions

The Pharma and Biotech Daily Podcast: Lawsuits, Mergers, Healthcare Tech, Biotech Deals, Marketing Insights, and Blockbuster Drug Predictions

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech Daily, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the Pharma and Biotech world. In today's episode, we have several news stories to cover. Let's dive right in.## Lawsuits and Mergers:UnitedHealth and its subsidiary OptumRx are facing a lawsuit by Osterhaus Pharmacy in Iowa over the use of "unconscionable" fees imposed by pharmacy benefit managers. The pharmacy alleges that these fees are contributing to the closure of independent pharmacies. Osterhaus Pharmacy is also suing CVS Caremark over similar issues.On the merger front, Jefferson Health and Lehigh Valley Health Network have announced their intent to merge, creating a 30-hospital health system serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Wisconsin's Froedtert Health and ThedaCare have also finalized their merger plans, with the combined system set to launch on January 1, 2024.Steward Health Care is facing a lawsuit under the False Claims Act for allegedly improperly billing Medicare for over 1,000 false claims. And approximately 1,800 healthcare workers at Prime Healthcare facilities in Southern California are planning a seven-day strike to protest staffing conditions.The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) have finalized merger guidelines that could make it more difficult for healthcare mergers and acquisitions to be approved. These new guidelines are expected to give regulators more power to challenge vertical and cross-market deals.## Healthcare Tech and Research:In the healthcare tech space, hospitals are adopting advanced technologies like virtual reality and AI to improve staff burnout and enhance clinical decision-making. Additionally, researchers are exploring how to effectively leverage real-world data to optimize clinical trials and bring new therapies to market. There are also articles on increasing diversity in clinical trials, the development of cell and gene therapies, and the future of oncology research.## Biotech Deals and Intellectual Property:GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has signed a potential $1.7 billion antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) deal with China's Hansoh Pharma, allowing GSK exclusive rights to develop and commercialize certain ADC products in China. This deal is part of GSK's strategy to expand its presence in China and tap into the growing biopharmaceutical market in the country.Biogen has secured exclusivity for its multiple sclerosis therapy Tecfidera in the European Union until early 2025. This decision upholds exclusive marketing protection for Tecfidera, preventing generic competition until February 3, 2025.These developments highlight the ongoing efforts of pharmaceutical companies to secure partnerships and protect their intellectual property rights. Both GSK and Biogen are strategically positioning themselves in key markets to drive growth and maintain their competitive edge.## Marketing News and Insights:In the marketing world, brands are evolving their influencer strategies and shaping their approaches to popular culture. Pringles and The Caviar Co.'s partnership went viral on TikTok and Instagram, creating a new snacking occasion. Oreo's return to the Super Bowl after a decade is also highlighted, referencing their memorable response to a power outage in 2013.Zacapa Rum is featured in its first global campaign titled "Lips to Soul," focusing on female empowerment. The text mentions sponsored content about building community with Gen Z on social media and rising web traffic on the platform formerly known as Twitter. Oreo will be airing its second-ever in-game spot during Super Bowl LVIII.## Blockbuster Drugs and Predictions:The article discusses the current state of blockbuster drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, noting that COVID-19 vaccines like Pfizer and BioNTech's Comirnaty experienced a rapid rise in sales due to the pandemic. However, it is predicted that sales for COVID-related blockbusters will decline in the coming years.Merck &