UK VPAG DECISION DEADLINE EXTENDED AGAIN
The UK and ABPI have agreed to a third extension of the VPAG withdrawal deadline, moving it to December 16, 2025.
News
US CUTS SWISS TARIFFS TO 15% AS SWITZERLAND PLEDGES $200B INVESTMENTS
A stylized U.S. – Swiss handshake over rising economic indicators reflects the sweeping new trade deal tariffs slashed to 15% and Switzerland pledging $200B in U.S. investment through 2028. (Editorial Illustration) The United States and Switzerland have announced a major framework trade agreement that will see Washington slash tariffs on Swiss imports from 39% to … Read more
Cidara Therapeutics Stock sky-Rockets on $9B Merck buyout
Merck’s $9.2 billion acquisition of Cidara brings CD388, a Phase 3 long-acting influenza antiviral, into its pipeline while adding the Cloudbreak® drug-Fc conjugate platform for future oncology and infectious-disease programs.
Spain Expands Newborn Screening Portfolio and Launches National Asbestos Injury Certification in Dual Public Health Overhaul
Spanish health official displays a Ministry of Health certificate for asbestos-related injury, as Spain rolls out its new national certification system alongside expanded neonatal screening reforms. (Editorial illustration.) CISNS approves sweeping updates to neonatal diagnostics and formalizes a nationwide system to certify asbestos-related disease for compensation Spain’s Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS) … Read more
ICER Releases Draft Scope on COVID-19 Vaccines
The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has posted a draft scoping document outlining its plans to assess the long-term clinical and economic value of updated COVID-19 vaccines.
Lilly Doubles Down on Genetic Medicines with $1.6B RNAi and Gene Therapy Alliances
Eli Lilly has signed back-to-back collaborations with SanegeneBio and MeiraGTx, advancing its genetic medicine portfolio across RNA interference and ophthalmic gene therapy. Together, the agreements deepen Lilly’s position in next-generation RNA- and DNA-based therapeutics.
TLV Endorses Keytruda Combo for Advanced Cervical Cancer with Cost-Effectiveness Caveats
Sweden’s TLV has published its health economic assessment of Merck’s Keytruda for locally advanced cervical cancer, finding clear efficacy benefits when added to chemoradiation. However, the agency warns that cost-effectiveness hinges on price transparency and real-world survival durability.
FDA Unveils Second Wave of National Priority Voucher Winners, Featuring Obesity Leaders Lilly and Novo Nordisk
Scientists and staff walk outside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration headquarters, representing the agency’s growing focus on regulatory innovation and public health priorities. (AI-generated for editorial illustration purposes.) FDA expands National Priority Voucher pilot with six new awardees, bringing total to 15 therapies The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a significant … Read more
CMS’ Medicaid drug payment model brings Trump’s MFN push
CMS’ Medicaid drug payment model links value-based pricing and international benchmarks to lower costs and improve patient outcomes. (Editorial illustration.) US government aims to lower Medicaid drug prices and align costs with global rates under new GENEROUS model The US government has launched a sweeping initiative to reduce prescription drug costs under the Medicaid program, … Read more
Pfizer wins $10 billion bidding war for Metsera after competitive bidding with Novo Nordisk
Months of legal challenges, court rulings, and regulatory probes define the industry’s fiercest metabolic takeover fight Pfizer has signed a definitive agreement to acquire metabolic biotech Metsera, ending months of one of the most aggressive takeover battles in recent biopharma history. The deal concludes a dramatic contest with Novo Nordisk, which had initially secured Metsera’s … Read more