TL/DR –
UnitedHealth Group is under investigation by the Department of Justice for its Medicare billing practices. Novartis has agreed to a deal worth up to $1 billion with Matchpoint Therapeutics to develop oral drugs for several inflammatory diseases. Meanwhile, Roche plans to trial direct-to-patient sales in the US, while the Food and Drug Administration has extended its review of GSK’s blood cancer drug Blenrep until October 23.
UnitedHealth Group Faces DOJ Investigation Over Medicare Billing
UnitedHealth Group is undergoing civil and criminal investigations by the Department of Justice concerning its Medicare billing practices. The company has initiated a third-party review of its operational policies and performance practices. (CNBC)
Novartis Pledges $1bn to Matchpoint Therapeutics for Inflammatory Disease Drugs
Novartis has agreed to invest up to $1 billion in Matchpoint Therapeutics to develop oral drugs for various inflammatory diseases. Matchpoint will employ its technology to create drugs that inhibit a particular protein, reducing the generation of inflammation signals. (Reuters)
Roche Considers Direct-to-Patient Sales in US Market
Roche is exploring direct-to-patient sales in the U.S., potentially eliminating industry intermediaries. The Swiss pharma company also discontinued a preclinical obesity drug from the Carmot Therapeutics acquisition. (Endpoints News)
FDA Extends Review of GSK’s Blood Cancer Drug Blenrep
The FDA has extended its assessment of GSK’s blood cancer drug Blenrep as a combination treatment until October 23. The agency’s independent experts did not support the drug, and investors are preparing for a possible negative decision. (Seeking Alpha)
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Advocates for MINI Act
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals’ CEO has called on Congress to pass the MINI Act to safeguard future biotech innovations. The CEO stressed the need to amend the Inflation Reduction Act’s approach to genetically targeted therapies. (STAT News)
Click here for the previous edition of Five things for pharma marketers to know.
—
Read More US Economic News