Congress should reconsider breaking up PBMs, experts say

Many proposals to reform the PBM industry miss the forest for the trees, experts said this week. Instead, Congress should go after the oligopoly enjoyed by the “Big Three” companies.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • June 27, 2025

RFK Jr.-appointed panel recommends flu shots be free of contested preservative

Thimerosal, targeted by activists who claim it’s linked to autism, shouldn't be used in vaccines given in the U.S. this coming flu season, the CDC panel said.

By Jonathan Gardner • Updated June 27, 2025

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Commercialization

New drugs for obesity are becoming blockbusters, while Trump administration pressure is reshaping pharma marketing strategies ahead of looming patent cliffs.

By BioPharma Dive staff

Recast CDC panel recommends new RSV antibody for infants

By a 5-2 vote, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices endorsed Merck’s Enflonsia for babies born during or entering their first RSV season.

By Ned Pagliarulo • June 26, 2025

Novo abruptly ends obesity drug deal with Hims

The Wegovy maker says the telehealth company didn't stop selling compounded versions of the blockbuster drug after Novo resolved its shortage.

By Jonathan Gardner • Updated June 23, 2025

RFK Jr. reveals picks for influential vaccine panel

Days after firing all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, the HHS Secretary named a small new committee that includes multiple vaccine critics.

By Kristin Jensen • June 12, 2025

FDA clears Nuvation lung cancer drug, setting up battle with Bristol Myers and Roche

The drug, Ibtrozi, will now vie for market share in an indication where multiple large pharmaceutical companies have already struggled to grow sales.

By Ben Fidler • June 11, 2025

AI tool could help doctors ID breast cancers vulnerable to Enhertu

Tumors with low- and ultra-low levels of a protein called HER2 are treatable with Enhertu, but harder to identify. New research shows AI can improve diagnosis.

By Ned Pagliarulo • May 22, 2025

Judge shuts down drugmakers’ 340B rebate plans, for now

A district court ruled HHS has the power to review drugmakers’ plans to pay hospitals rebates on 340B medications. But it left the door open to the controversial reforms.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • May 19, 2025

FDA OKs first blood test to aid Alzheimer’s diagnosis

The FDA cleared the test for early detection of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s in people aged 55 years and older with signs and symptoms of the disease.

By Nick Paul Taylor • May 19, 2025

Andrew Witty steps down as UnitedHealth CEO

Witty’s departure was unexpected, but follows a downturn in the healthcare company’s financial outlook. He will be replaced by Stephen Hemsley, chair of UnitedHealth’s board.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • May 13, 2025

Medicaid cuts could have ‘drastic impact’ on providers

Some providers may need to reduce services, lay off staff or close their doors if Congress enacts major cuts to the safety-net insurance program, experts say.

By Emily Olsen • May 9, 2025

Amgen’s Stelara biosimilar gets off to fast start

Sales of the company’s copycat to J&J’s blockbuster reached $150 million in the first quarter, adding to a surge in revenue for Amgen's biosimilar business.

By Jonathan Gardner • May 2, 2025

CVS strikes Wegovy deal with Novo Nordisk

The deal could expand access to its in-demand obesity drug at the expense of Eli Lilly, whose shares fell by double digits on Thursday.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • May 1, 2025

Madrigal’s MASH drug sales again top Wall Street projections

Rezdiffra sales reached $137 million for the quarter, beating consensus analyst estimates by more than $20 million and continuing a faster-than-expected drug launch.

By Kristin Jensen • May 1, 2025

BridgeBio sales of new heart drug outstrip expectations

In its first full quarter, Attruby made more headway than analysts anticipated in its competition with Pfizer’s market-leading drug.

By Kristin Jensen • April 30, 2025

Novo partners with telehealth companies in move to expand Wegovy market

Deals with Hims & Hers, LifeMD and Ro follow dismissal of a lawsuit that challenged the FDA's determination Wegovy is no longer in shortage.

By Jonathan Gardner • April 29, 2025

Biohaven stock slides on withdrawal of European marketing application

Currently under review in the U.S. for a rare genetic disorder, the drug is seen by some investors as critical to Biohaven’s future. Shares bounced back somewhat on Monday. 

By Jacob Bell • April 25, 2025

Bristol Myers says schizophrenia drug launch ‘off to a solid start’

Net sales of Cobenfy, whose success is imperative for Bristol Myers, totaled $27 million in the first quarter, handily beating Wall Street expectations.

By Jacob Bell • April 24, 2025

Trump rejects Biden-era plan to let Medicare cover obesity drugs

The decision is a setback for GLP-1 drugmakers, though it's not entirely surprising given the Trump administration’s focus on curbing federal spending.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • April 7, 2025

Oz confirmed by Senate to lead CMS

Mehmet Oz, a physician and TV personality, takes office as HHS lays off thousands of staffers and Republicans float potential cuts to Medicaid.

By Emily Olsen • April 3, 2025

FDA approves first-of-its-kind RNA drug for hemophilia

The Sanofi drug, known as fitusiran and now Qfitlia, was approved on Friday for a broad group of people with the rare bleeding disorder.

By Jacob Bell • March 28, 2025

Lilly hits same Alzheimer’s roadblock in Europe as Eisai, Biogen

Key regulators are not recommending Lilly’s Kisunla be cleared for the European market. The company says it plans to appeal the verdict, a strategy successfully employed by Eisai.

By Jacob Bell • March 28, 2025

Delayed CDC meeting on vaccines is rescheduled to April

A panel of CDC advisers, who had been set to meet in February, will discuss the current measles outbreak as well as guidelines for several types of shots.

By Delilah Alvarado • March 21, 2025

Optum Rx is reforming how it pays pharmacies

The PBM is pivoting to a cost-based reimbursement model, which it says will reduce variation in how pharmacies are paid. Pharmacy groups say that depends on the specifics of Optum Rx’s plan.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • March 21, 2025

Alnylam prices heart drug at premium to rivals

Initially, Amvuttra’s annual list price will be nearly double the yearly cost of rival medicines from Pfizer and BridgeBio. But executives argue its “compelling and highly differentiated value” justify the higher charge.

By Ben Fidler • March 21, 2025