Rise and shine, everyone, another busy day is on the way. And it is getting off to a good start here on the blustery Pharmalot campus, where clear blue skies and chilly temperatures are greeting us. Who could ask for anything more? Actually, we could — it is time to reheat the kettle for another cuppa stimulation. Our choice today is super shroom. And here is a tip — a teaspoon of honey enhances the flavors splendidly. Of course, you are invited to join us. For the full experience, we are now hawking replicas — take a look. Meanwhile, here are a few tidbits to help you along. We hope your day is productive and peaceful. As always, do keep in touch and do feel free to send along secret dossiers and internal memos. …
Comments from a top Trump administration health official add to signs of a major flaw in the president’s most-favored nation drug pricing plans, STAT explains. The official, Chris Klomp, the Medicare director, said last week that the most-favored nation deals aim to increase the prices of new drugs in peer countries, not lower U.S. prices. But by the time companies launch those drugs abroad, the deals might be over and Trump might be out of office. His remarks point to a potential loophole in the president’s plan. Drugmakers could delay product launches in other countries, making it impossible to determine whether they are selling treatments at the most-favored nation prices in the U.S. until after their deals expire, according to Rachel Sachs, a professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis.
Gilead Sciences plans to acquire Ouro Medicines, a developer of autoimmune-disease therapies, for up to about $2.18 billion and develop the assets from the deal in a collaboration with Galapagos, The Wall Street Journal writes. Gilead said it is in talks with Galapagos for a potential research-and-development collaboration for the assets. Under the partnership, Galapagos would pay half of the upfront consideration and half of any contingent milestone payments for Ouro, and would absorb substantially all of Ouro’s operating assets and employees. Gilead owns a roughly 25% stake in Galapagos, and has an agreement with the company that grants access to its drug-discovery platform. Gilead said the deal with Ouro would bolster its growing inflammation portfolio.Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…