Pharma and Biotech Daily: The Latest in Drug Partnerships, Market Trends, and Legal Battles

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma e Biotech world.Abbott and Medtronic have announced a partnership to develop diabetes technology, with Abbott creating a glucose sensor that will only connect with Medtronic's insulin delivery technology. Nevro is considering a sale in response to increasing competition in the pain market, while the CMS has finalized a notice on Medicare coverage for breakthrough devices. Inspire has received FDA approval for obstructive sleep apnea neurostimulator therapy, J&J has launched a spine surgical robotics platform, and other notable news includes Big Health receiving FDA approval for its digital therapy for insomnia.CVS has cut its earnings guidance for the third time this year and fired the head of its insurance division, Aetna, due to struggles with high medical utilization in the Medicare Advantage sector. More than 700 rural hospitals are at risk of closing due to reimbursement challenges from private payers. Walgreens is considering selling off VillageMD, a reversal of its previous commitment to expanding healthcare delivery offerings. The 5th Circuit Court handed providers a win in no surprises litigation, vacating instructions that favored insurers over providers. Steward Health will lay off over 1,200 workers in Massachusetts as it prepares to close two hospitals. AI is being used in clinical trials to improve participant retention and KPIs.Pharma companies are currently in a strong position, resulting in smaller upfront payments for biotech startups in drug partnerships. Despite this trend, cell therapies in cancer care are evolving and gaining traction. Lilly resolves shortages of glp-1 medicines, Roche licenses technology for an Alzheimer's drug, and Madrigal sees success with the launch of their new drug. Bristol Myers sends back a TIGIT drug to Agenus, Sarepta reveals lower sales but anticipates growth, and best practices for NDAs and BLAs are outlined. Additionally, the CDC issues guidance on painful IUD insertions, a new strategy to suppress HIV shows promise, and 23andMe's sales miss estimates.Merck has made a significant investment of $1.3 billion to acquire Curon Biopharmaceutical's investigational antibody, which targets B cells and is being studied for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and B cell acute lymphocytic leukemia. The deal includes an upfront payment of $700 million. In other news, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce challenging the IRA's drug price negotiation program, while Gilead Sciences reported strong sales in HIV, cancer, and liver disease treatments in the second quarter. Additionally, Lilly is closing the gap in the weight-loss drug market with their product Zepbound, competing with Novo Nordisk's Wegovy.On August 9, Merck made a $700 million bet on an antibody drug with potential in immune diseases. Zepbound shortages have eased, but Lilly warns that pharmacy availability may still be 'choppy.' Merck's TIGIT drug failed another trial, while Intellia's therapy succeeded in a study on hereditary angioedema. Sarepta revealed lower sales for Elevidys but remains optimistic about future opportunities. Biotech companies are receiving smaller upfront payments in drug partnerships, reflecting weaker leverage in deal talks. Cell therapy's impact in cancer care is growing, with ongoing investments to improve it.A district court judge dismissed a lawsuit from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce challenging the Biden administration's drug pricing program that allows Medicare to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies. This program aims to lower drug prices starting in 2026, with ten drugs selected for negotiation in the first round. Despite legal challenges from pharma giants like Merck & Co. and AstraZeneca, the judge ruled that the plaintiffs did not have standing to sue. This decision is seen as a setback for big pharma.