New CMS drug spending database reveals 7 drugs at least doubled in cost

PAH drug Remodulin cost the most to beneficiaries, although Gilead's Sovaldi also measured highly in beneficiary cost share. 

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 23, 2015

Actelion lines up 2016 launch for newly approved PAH orphan drug Uptravi

This was one of the most anticipated new drug approvals of 2015.

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 23, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Commercialization

New drugs for obesity and Alzheimer’s look set to become blockbusters, reshaping pharma marketing strategies just as many current top-sellers near looming patent cliffs.

By BioPharma Dive staff

11 biopharma execs & experts look back on 2015: A record year for record-breaking

We spoke with bigwigs from Sanofi, the Biosimilars Council, Novocure, Accenture, Bain, amfAR, Boehringer Ingelheim, and more on what they considered the most significant events that drove biopharma this past year.

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 22, 2015

ICER: Glaxo's new asthma drug massively overpriced, should cost 70% less

This is the ICER's latest hit on pricey meds.

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 22, 2015

For pharma reps, typical in-service fare includes burgers & fries—but not pizza

When reps order in during in-service presentations, American food is a hit—but not pizza or Asian food, according to EZ Cater. 

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 22, 2015

Employers turn to new tactics to rein in drug costs

Nationally, pharmacy costs are up 9.5% compared to last year, and are forecast to increase 10% next year.

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 21, 2015

Fortune reporter offers apology for previous glowing coverage of Theranos

In June 2014, Roger Parloff wrote a cover story for Fortune extolling Theranos and its CEO, Elizabeth Holmes. Now, he's detailed how he felt the company misled him. 

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 18, 2015

Why Martin Shkreli's arrest won't take the heat off the biopharma industry

The battle over pricing controversies is here to stay, as evidenced by statements from lawmakers.

By Sy Mukherjee • Dec. 18, 2015

Narcan is just the beginning: Unleashing the power of opioid antagonism

We spoke with Roger Crystal, CEO of Lightlake Therapeutics, about new ways to use old drugs to address opioid overdose and other addiction-related disorders.  

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 18, 2015

With eye on the future, AstraZeneca to beef up manufacturing, R&D presence in China

Investing directly in manufacturing and R&D capabilities in the country is seen as critical for future drug approvals in the market. 

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 17, 2015

Valeant notches big win with 20-year Walgreens distribution deal, but slashes earnings forecasts

The embattled drug giant's CEO telegraphed back in November that the company would have to take some short-term hits in order to ensure long-term gains. And announcement of the Walgreens deal sent Valeant shares to their highest close since October 29.

By Sy Mukherjee • Dec. 16, 2015

Amgen to snatch 3 drugs back from Glaxo in key int'l markets

The company will reacquire the sales rights to the drugs in 48 countries.

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 16, 2015

Pharma's 1st Amendment battle rages on as Pacira, FDA reach Exparel settlement

This is seen as a major win for pharma companies and (truthful) off-label promotion, and Pacira's shares jumped on the news. 

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 16, 2015

Reckitt Benckiser taking heat from Australian, British watchdogs for pain med ads

An Australian court ruled that the company misled consumers by marketing the same Nurofen product as several different treatments. Britain's Advertising Standards Authority is also looking into the matter.

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 15, 2015

Shkreli's latest acquire-and-hike antics spotlight review voucher critics' biggest fears

Biopharma's bête noire wants to use his new perch as CEO of KaloBios to make the 1970s-era Chagas disease treatment benznidazole cost as much as next-gen hep C drugs like Sovaldi—and to get a valuable review voucher in the process.

By Sy Mukherjee • Dec. 15, 2015

Lilly prices cancer med Portrazza at nearly 10 times docs' recommendation

Physicians say that, based on its efficacy, the $11,000-plus per month price should be closer to $1,870.

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 14, 2015

The new PCSK9 scorecard: Praluent favored by UnitedHealth, Repatha by CVS, both by Express Scripts

The nation's largest private health insurer announced on Friday that the Sanofi/Regeneron cholesterol-lowering med would be the preferred option of its PBM, guaranteeing an intense marketing battle between the companies and rival Amgen.

By Nicole Gray , Sy Mukherjee • Dec. 11, 2015

WSJ details the painstaking process behind pricing a major Pfizer cancer med

The breast cancer treatment Ibrance, expected to become a blockbuster, costs $9,850 per month. But coming to that figure wasn't easy for the pharma giant. 

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 10, 2015

Senators mull speedier generics pathway amid outrage over Turing, Valeant price hikes

In a hearing Wednesday, senators expressed anger over recent hikes in drug prices and explored ways to incentivize competition in older off-patent drug markets. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Dec. 9, 2015

High specialty drug prices help drive renewed spike in 2014 healthcare spending

Although overall health spending increased by 5.3% in 2014, the rate of growth was still much slower than in previous years. 

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 4, 2015

Martin Shkreli's big regret: Not pricing Daraprim even higher

During an intense exchange with Forbes' Matt Herper, the outspoken pharma exec doubled down on his position, arguing that a 5,000% increase for the drug wasn't enough and making the case that shareholder return always comes first.

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 4, 2015

Pharma's PR problem: 53% of Americans blame pursuit of profits for high drug prices

And more than 70% of those polled did not believe the prices of branded prescription drugs were reasonable. 

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 2, 2015

US Senate report slams Gilead over Sovaldi price, insinuates culture of profits over patients

The report reveals that Medicaid programs spent $1.3 billion in 2014 (before rebates) on Gilead drugs to treat only 2.4% of enrollees with hepatitis C. But the company is pushing back against the narrative—hard.

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 2, 2015

Express Scripts banishes Turing from formulary, turns to compounder for generic Daraprim

The largest pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) in the U.S. is partnering with Imprimis for a $1-per-pill Daraprim (pyrimethamine) option. 

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 2, 2015

World AIDS Day: PrEP uptake main hurdle to 2030 eradication goal as Obama unleashes action plan

The president on Tuesday outlined a federal action plan for tackling HIV/AIDS which endorsed full access to PrEP for at-risk individuals. Will his remarks help increase use of the controversial therapy?

By Nicole Gray • Dec. 1, 2015