Pharma and Biotech Daily: Your Essential Weekly Roundup

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma e Biotech world.This week in biopharma news, Novo's stock experienced a sell-off due to lower-than-expected obesity drug sales, Madrigal's new drug launch exceeded expectations, and Biomarin is focusing on narrowing its sales focus for its hemophilia gene therapy. Amgen discussed the differentiation of their obesity drug, Servier's brain cancer drug was approved by the FDA, and RSV vaccine makers remain optimistic despite CDC guidance. The rise of antibody-drug conjugates in cancer treatments is also highlighted.Medtronic has partnered with Abbott to develop a glucose sensor that can only connect with Medtronic's insulin delivery technology. Medtronic has also issued a recall for a nerve monitoring system linked to 10 injuries, warning users that the device may not alert when on a nerve during surgery. Henry Schein is facing slow recovery from a cyber incident, impacting their Q2 results. Ascensia's new head of CGM is planning a 365-day sensor, seeking FDA approval for a one-year sensor. The FDA is seeking feedback on health equity for medical devices, aiming to develop a framework for evaluating devices in diverse populations. Sales teams in healthcare are focusing on human-centered sales approaches.CVS has ousted the head of Aetna as the insurer's results are dragging down earnings. Premiums for ACA plans are expected to grow by 7% next year, with reasons cited including workforce shortages, hospital consolidation, and demand for expensive drugs. More than 700 rural hospitals are at risk of closing due to reimbursement challenges. Experts are concerned about patient harm from the FDA's lab developed test rule. The healthcare industry is leveraging technology such as virtual reality, robotics, and AI to improve patient engagement, staff burnout, and clinical decision-making.Madrigal's new drug launch, Rezdiffra, exceeded analysts' expectations in the U.S. prompting the company to market it in Europe independently. Novo's shares dropped after lower-than-expected sales of their obesity drugs, causing a significant loss in market value. Amgen discussed their obesity drug Maritide and its competitive profile, while Servier received FDA approval for their brain cancer drug. Biotech M&A activity is increasing, with Danish drugmaker Pharmacosmos Group acquiring G1 Therapeutics for $405 million. Despite CDC guidance affecting RSV vaccine makers, companies like GSK, Pfizer, and Moderna remain optimistic about the market.The text discusses the increasing attention on mental health and depression, particularly in the context of high-profile athletes like Noah Lyles speaking out about their struggles. Depression affects millions of people in the U.S., with many taking antidepressant medication. The text also highlights two biotech companies, Autobahn Therapeutics and Arialys Therapeutics, working on novel treatments for depression and autoimmune diseases that impact the brain, respectively. Autobahn Therapeutics recently secured significant funding to advance their depression drug into mid-stage studies.Novo Nordisk's stock dropped over 7% as sales of its semaglutide brands fell short of analyst expectations due to supply headwinds. The company also lowered its full-year profit guidance. Meanwhile, Amgen reported strong growth in the second quarter, Servier received FDA approval for a targeted therapy, and the pharmaceutical industry is hedging campaign contribution bets as the election nears. Intellia Therapeutics is working on potentially curative genome editing treatments.As the election approaches, lobbying groups and individuals from the pharmaceutical industry are supporting candidates from both parties, focusing on the future of programs like the 340b discount program and pharmacy benefit managers. Merck's distribution issue of Gardasil in China remains a mystery to analysts, impacting the future of the HPV