Pharma and Biotech Daily: The Latest Updates in the Industry

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.Pfizer is terminating its Duchenne gene therapy program, resulting in the layoff of 150 staff members. Boehringer has acquired startup Nerio for up to $1.3 billion to expand its cancer drug pipeline. Emerging biotech IPOs are showing signs of life after a slow period. GSK has cut vaccine forecasts due to slowing sales of its shingles vaccine. Stakeholders in clinical research are exploring the use of real-world evidence for external control arms. Stryker CEO Kevin Lobo plans to be "very active" in mergers and acquisitions after another successful quarter of orthopedic robot installations. Guardant Health has received FDA approval for a blood test for colon cancer, which could increase screening rates. The FDA approved Tecelra, an engineered T cell therapy, as a breakthrough for solid tumors by Adaptimmune Therapeutics. CMS finalized higher hospital payments for 2025, with a 2.9% increase in inpatient payment rates.Humana expects to lose a few hundred thousand Medicare Advantage members next year due to a reduction in its plan footprint for 2025. Optum is laying off more than 500 workers in California, affecting urgent care locations, clinics, and office workers. A data breach at HealthEquity could impact 4.3 million individuals. The FDA has approved Tecelra, an engineered T cell therapy, as a breakthrough for solid tumors. Revenue cycle management firm R1 RCM is set to go private in an $8.9 billion acquisition deal with private equity firms TowerBrook and Clayton, Dubilier and Rice.Despite concerns about data security and privacy challenges, AI is being used in areas such as science and clinical trials to gain insights, predict patient outcomes, and enhance efficiency within the pharma industry. Pharma is learning from AI tools, moving from hype to a daily reality, with insights being gained on what makes trials successful and how AI can improve various processes within pharma companies.