Amid pharma's DTC push, senators call out 'shady tactics'

Today’s Big News

Jul 17, 2025

FDA advisors spurn GSK’s Blenrep comeback dreams on safety, trial concerns


As 'the most infectious virus' roars back to life, the first measles treatment remains a pipe dream


‘Abuse of power’: Senators call out ‘shady tactics’ after investigating Pfizer, Lilly DTC platforms


Bristol Myers, Pfizer offer Eliquis at a discount through DTC online program


Sarepta pivots to siRNA and lays off 500 staffers as Elevidys gets box warning

 

Featured

FDA advisors spurn GSK’s Blenrep comeback dreams on safety, trial concerns

Members of the FDA's Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee voiced concerns with ocular toxicity side effects, proposed dosing and a lack of diversity in GSK's trial program.
 

Top Stories

As 'the most infectious virus' roars back to life, the first measles treatment remains a pipe dream

As measles cases surge to record levels in the U.S., Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has downplayed the effectiveness of the long-used vaccine and instead promoted the development of new treatments for the virus.

'Abuse of power': Senators call out 'shady tactics' after investigating Pfizer, Lilly DTC platforms

After a nine-month investigation into direct-to-consumer telehealth platforms launched by Eli Lilly and Pfizer, a group of senators has released a report suggesting the platforms may allow pharmas to inappropriately influence doctors’ prescribing habits.

Bristol Myers, Pfizer offer Eliquis at a discount through DTC online program

Taking a page from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, who have launched online programs to sell their diabetes and obesity drugs directly to patients, Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer are doing the same with their mega-blockbuster blood thinner Eliquis.

Sarepta pivots to siRNA and lays off 500 staffers as Elevidys gets box warning

Sarepta Therapeutics has laid off 500 staffers, or 36% of its workforce, as part of a strategic restructuring aiming to save $400 million annually.

Novartis’ Pluvicto finally picks up speed, delivers another trial win in early prostate cancer

Novartis is launching a $10 billion share buyback to be completed by year-end 2027 as new drug launches accelerate.

As US cuts research funding, UK plans to invest billions in new biosecurity center

The U.K. is establishing a new biosecurity center designed to improve research into potentially pandemic-causing pathogens and protect against emerging public health threats.

Abbott eyes structural heart gains following Boston Scientific's TAVR exit

CEO Robert Ford said sales of its Navitor TAVR implant have doubled over the past two years, and that the road ahead looks favorable.

Leo Pharma's slow response to app lapse scolded by UK marketing watchdog

Leo Pharma’s inaccurate Innohep app has prompted a slap-down from the PMCPA. The U.K. marketing watchdog ruled Leo brought discredit on the pharma industry by leaving the app live for three months after the errors were discovered.

After recall, Pfizer warns of 'near-term stock out' of penicillin product used to treat syphilis in pregnant women

Pfizer’s multi-year effort to stabilize its U.S. penicillin supply has hit an unexpected hitch after particulate concerns prompted a recall of the company’s long-acting injectable form of the ubiquitous antibiotic.

AI adoption is an 'immediate priority' to most Big Pharmas, report finds

Define Ventures' report on the industry's approach to AI found that 85% of Big Pharma leaders consider AI an "immediate priority," with 85% planning to increase their AI budgets in turn.

Intuitive shows off telesurgery capabilities in transatlantic demonstration

The company said two surgeons, 4,000 miles apart, handed off control of a single da Vinci 5 system in real-time during the Society of Robotic Surgery conference in France.

BioNTech’s chief strategy officer Richardson heads for the exit

BioNTech is losing its chief strategy officer, with Ryan Richardson set to leave the company at the end of September to "pursue new professional opportunities."
 
Fierce podcasts

Don’t miss an episode

'The Top Line': Biopharma layoffs aren't letting up

Biopharma layoffs have held steady through mid-2025, and in this episode of "The Top Line," we dig into the numbers, closures and policy changes shaping the trend.

 

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