Health

Trump admin invests $500M for universal vaccine project: Perhaps the administration isn’t as anti-vax as publicly perceived. However, vaccine makers are still on high alert as approval timelines for vaccines undergoing trials could get pushed back.

CVS puts Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (not Lilly’s Zepbound) on commercial drug formularies: Market reaction to the decision affirms how much influence PBMs like CVS Caremark have over prescription drug access. Eli Lilly may need to explore creative pricing strategies to improve access to Zepbound.

Experts at Publicis’ HealthFront event recommend partnering with influencers who have smaller followings: Brands and marketers must assess key factors such as target audience, budget, and alignment with a company’s mission.

Pharma gains confidence around threatened Trump administration tariffs on drug imports: Big Pharmas are notching wins with the Trump administration through new US manufacturing and national security commitments, which improves the potential for tariff exemptions or delays.

Novo Nordisk and Hims go from competitors to partners: The deal signals Novo’s desire to capture patients transitioning off compounded GLP-1s. All eyes turn to Eli Lilly, which at last check said it’s not affiliating with Hims.

Congress wants to end the pharma industry’s advertising expense write-offs: This has been proposed before, but under the new Trump administration’s anti-drug advertising stance, the bill could gain more traction and inspire other new rules.

Vaccine integrity project launched to counter medical misinformation: Vaccine makers have the tough job of currying favor with Trump’s health administration, while preserving the public’s trust in their medicines.

The compounded GLP-1 market suffers another setback as Novo wins court case: Ads on social media for compounded weight loss drugs are still prevalent. But they’ll soon be subject to stricter regulatory oversight now that Big Pharma’s brand-name GLP-1s are available again.

Healthcare providers ages 50-70 are the most avid digital enthusiasts: HCPs are leaning into digital channels, but adoption varies among age cohorts. We dig into which digital channels they prefer, and implications for pharma companies looking to engage with HCPs.

GLP-1 users improve their health habits: Patients on the meds exercise more and eat better. Health and wellness brands have an opportunity to build relationships with consumers who are seeking health-focused products and services.

Younger generations seek out medical advice from social media and their peers: “Doing my own research” is a health trend that took off during the pandemic. Healthcare providers and marketers must point out the dangers of trusting online medical misinformation while being more accessible on digital channels.

Big Pharma earnings don’t feel the impact of Trump's current tariffs—yet: Several large pharmas kept yearly financial guidance in place during Q1 earnings calls, highlighting how they’re absorbing current tariff costs. However, major business disruptions will take effect once Trump’s threat of 25% or more pharma tariffs lands.

Eli Lilly sues telehealth companies over compounded weight loss drugs: Lilly is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to building a legal case to prevent compounded tirzepatide from being prescribed and sold.

Trump considers reviving a proposal that cuts US drug prices to international levels: It could be another blow to the drug industry, on top of ongoing drug price cuts in Medicare and looming tariffs set to hit the sector.

Only 30% of healthcare and pharma AI pilots make it to production: AI companies must demonstrate tech prowess, address security concerns, and drive clinical or business outcomes to convert more pilots into full-scale implementation..

RFK Jr.’s MAHA vision receives support in Indiana: Gov. Mike Braun issued nine executive orders aligning with Kennedy’s chronic illness agenda. But cuts to Medicaid funding could prevent these initiatives from having their intended effect.

The walls are closing in on the largest pharmacy benefit managers: Vertically integrated healthcare conglomerates may soon have to separate their pharmacy operations from their PBM businesses.

Lilly notches another win in oral GLP-1 drugs: Eli Lilly’s phase 3 success could put it in a commanding position in diabetes and weight loss if the easy-to-take—and cheaper to manufacture—drug is approved.

Trump says his drug pricing executive order will lower medication costs for Americans: But that could depend on how the Inflation Reduction Act’s “pill penalty” is addressed. The pharma industry is watching closely.