Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor Takes Helm At Powerful Pharma Lobby Group
Politico: Pharma's New Top Lobbyist Is Former Majority Leader Eric Cantor
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, one of the most powerful lobbies in Washington, has selected former Majority Leader Eric Cantor as its next president. Cantor, a Virginian who led House Republicans from 2011 to 2014, will now helm the trade group for branded drugmakers as it navigates growing scrutiny from the Trump administration and Congress over its pricing practices, as well as increasing competition from China. Cantor, who starts on Nov. 9, has served as vice chairman and managing director at Moelis & Company, an investment bank, since his defeat in a 2014 primary to a tea party-backed challenger, Dave Brat. (Chu, 9/29)
On the high cost of prescription drugs —
Stat: Lawmakers Say New Rule Could Restrict Imported Meds From Canada
A growing number of congressional lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to rethink a federal rule going into effect next month over concerns it will prevent Americans from obtaining prescription medicines from licensed international pharmacies. (Silverman, 9/29)
AP: US Blockade And Sanctions Are Causing Medication Prices To Spike In Iran
Medication prices are soaring in Iran and some treatments have become hard to find, leaving patients and their families scrambling as a U.S. blockade and stepped-up sanctions squeeze the country’s pharmaceuticals industry. Some medicines have more than tripled in price, further squeezing Iranians’ finances seven months into the country’s war with the United States and Israel. Prices for food and other goods have skyrocketed even as unemployment has risen and the currency, which hit a record low this week, has lost half its value. The war has become an economic endurance test. (Karimi and Radjy, 9/30)
More pharma and tech developments —
Stat: UniQure's Gene Therapy Slows Huntington's Progression After 4 Years
An experimental gene therapy for Huntington’s disease, developed by the biotech company UniQure, continued to slow the progression of the neurodegenerative disease four years after it was surgically implanted into the brains of patients, the company reported Tuesday. (Feuerstein, 9/29)
MedPage Today: FDA Approves First Treatment For Rare Thyroid Hormone Disorder
The FDA approved tiratricol (Emcitate) to treat peripheral thyrotoxicosis in patients with monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) deficiency, the agency announced on Monday, marking the first approval for this rare genetic disorder. The thyroid hormone receptor agonist is indicated for adults and children with MCT8 deficiency, also known as Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome. (Monaco, 9/29)
KFF Health News: Drugs Are Widely Used To Sedate Dementia Patients. Her Sons Wanted To Keep Her Off Them
In December 2024, Marjorie Tingley’s adult sons received an urgent email from the dementia care unit at Vista Grande Villa, a Michigan senior living community. They were told that their 85-year-old mother was a major safety threat. On at least 10 days the previous month, Tingley had hit, kicked, or elbowed aides when they were trying to help change her briefs, get dressed, bathe, or go to the bathroom, according to Vista Grande behavior logs. Vista Grande wanted permission to sedate her. (Rau, 9/30)
On science and research —
Stat: Beam Therapeutics Alleges Chinese Biotech, VC-Backed Startup Stole IP
The gene-editing company Beam Therapeutics is alleging that one of its scientists stole intellectual property and used it to co-found a Chinese company that made a deal with VC firms. The allegation comes at a time of escalating tensions between American biotech companies and their Chinese counterparts. (DeAngelis and Mast, 9/29)
Modern Healthcare: A Look Inside A Training Center For Next-Generation Medtech
The next generation of medical technology may be taking shape at The Pearl, the medical innovation district in Charlotte, North Carolina. IRCAD North America, a surgical education center headquartered at The Pearl, is a unique space where major medtech companies and startups work under the same roof, bringing together hands-on surgical training and the development and testing of new devices. (Dubinsky, 9/29)
The Washington Post: Carnegie Mellon Nets $3 Billion Gift, Most Ever Given To A University
Carnegie Mellon University will build a new campus in Miami centered on solving society’s greatest challenges, funded by a historic $3 billion gift from entrepreneur Ken Griffin. The donation, believed to be the largest ever from an individual to a university, comes at a time when higher education has been under attack on many fronts. But private donors have made some prominent gifts recently, including $1 billion from Phil and Penny Knight to the University of Oregon last week. (Svrluga, 9/30)
The New York Times: Ukrainian Science Academy, Struck By Drone, Played Key Role In Research
The Russian attack on Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences on Monday dealt a serious blow to the country’s pre-eminent research institution, a recent center of wartime innovation that is also responsible for almost every major Ukrainian civilian discovery of the past century. Scientists affiliated with the academy have contributed to recent discoveries in the fields of astronomy and medicine and have been instrumental in developing new military technologies, including drones and enhanced armor for vehicles. (Andrews and Novosolova, 9/29)
