Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Federal Judge Tosses Hospitals' Lawsuit Over 340B Drug Discount Program
Stat: Federal Judge Nixes Hospitals’ Attempt To Force HHS 340B Crackdown
A federal judge ruled Thursday that it’s too early for hospitals to challenge the federal government’s lack of action against drug makers in the 340B drug discount program. The decision is the latest installment in an escalating feud between hospitals and drug makers over substantial drug discounts providers get for treating low-income patients. (Cohrs, 2/18)
In other pharmaceutical news —
Modern Healthcare: Humacyte To Go Public In Merger That Would Create $1.1 Billion Company
Regenerative medicine company Humacyte agreed to go public via a merger with special purpose acquisition firm Alpha Healthcare Acquisition Corp. that would create an entity valued around $1.1 billion, the organizations announced Wednesday. Humacyte develops bioengineered human tissue to treat illnesses like end-stage renal disease, vascular disease, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease as well as repair or replace damaged arteries. After implanting a Humacyte product, patients can regrow their own tissues, which are regenerative and self-healing, Humacyte CEO Dr. Laura Niklason said during an investor presentation. (Kacik, 2/17)
Stat: Pharma's Ambitious Antibiotic Venture Hires A CEO To Fix A 'Broken' Pipeline
Several months after a splashy announcement, an ambitious pharmaceutical industry venture to tackle antibiotic resistance has hired its first chief executive officer and received $140 million in additional funding commitments. (Silverman, 2/18)
Stat: Covid Crushed In-Person Pharma Sales. Tech Is Pitching Itself As A Solution
The pandemic grounded tens of thousands of pharmaceutical reps who usually roam the country urging doctors to prescribe certain drugs — a shift that has opened the door for tech companies, who are pitching digital platforms on the promise that oceans of data can make pharma marketing better. (Aguilar, 2/18)
