FDA in Transition: Industry Braces for Regulatory Slowdown
Summary:
Mass layoffs of 3,500 FDA staff and senior leadership under Kennedy’s HHS raises concerns about drug approval delays, increased political influence, and diminished scientific oversight in regulatory decisions.
Merck’s $493M Bet on Oral Peptides
Summary:
Merck partners with Cyprumed in a $493M deal to develop oral formulations of peptide drugs, potentially including GLP-1 analogs, aligning with their strategy to focus on oral metabolic therapies.
J&J Maintains Outlook Despite $400M Tariff Impact
Summary:
J&J keeps its 2025 earnings forecast steady and raises sales guidance despite absorbing $400M in tariff costs, as pharma industry confronts Trump’s potential drug import duties.
Verve’s Gene Editing Cholesterol Treatment Shows Promise in Early Trial
Summary:
Verve-102 safely reduced LDL cholesterol by 53% in early trials after the company switched delivery methods following safety concerns with its first candidate. Eli Lilly partnership continues.
Trump Administration Lays Groundwork for Pharmaceutical Import Tariffs
Summary:
Commerce Department launches Section 232 investigation into national security impacts of drug imports, signaling likely tariffs within months that could reshape pharma supply chains.
