Tariffs on Drug Imports Could Reach 250%, Trump Warns
Summary:
President Trump said in an August 5 CNBC interview that the U.S. will start with a “small tariff” on imported pharmaceutical products and then increase that rate to 150% and eventually 250% within the next 12 to 18 months. He added that new tariffs on semiconductors will also be announced “within the next week or so,” following ongoing Section 232 investigations into both sectors
Chinese Biotech Struggles – Big Pharma Steps In with Licensing Deals
Summary:
As China’s biotech sector faces a sharp funding downturn, global pharma companies are stepping in with much-needed licensing deals and partnerships. This strategic shift offers struggling Chinese firms a financial lifeline – and Big Pharma access to innovative pipelines.
Cracking the Commercial Code: Bringing Cell & Gene Therapies to Market
Summary:
Cell and gene therapies face a complex journey from breakthrough science to real-world access – high costs, manufacturing hurdles, fragmented logistics, and regulatory variation all stand in the way. Success hinges on building robust commercial models, streamlined evidence plans, and strategies that reduce friction across manufacturing, reimbursement, and patient access channels.
Scientists Crack the Chromosome Code: Flawless Editing of Entire DNA Segments
Summary:
A team led by Prof. Gao Caixia has unveiled programmable chromosome engineering tools – PCE and RePCE – that enable scarless editing of DNA chunks from kilobase to megabase scale with exceptional precision. As a demonstration, the researchers engineered herbicide‑resistant rice by flipping a 315‑kilobase segment of its genome – an achievement previously thought nearly impossible
Pharma Gears Up for Direct‑to‑Consumer Drug Sales Under Trump Push
Summary:
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said that major pharmaceutical firms are “ready to roll up their sleeves” to expand direct‑to‑consumer channels and offer discounted pricing – aligned with President Trump’s demands. Firms like Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb are already piloting services such as online prices for Eliquis and telehealth-based Rx fulfillment.
