Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Sanders Weighs In On Drugmaker's Attempt To Maintain Monopoly On Cholesterol Pill
Stat: Sanders, Other Lawmakers Urge FDA Approval Of Generic Crestor
In a pointed letter, US Senator Bernie Sanders and several other lawmakers urged the US Food and Drug Administration on Thursday to approve generic versions of the best-selling Crestor cholesterol pill. And they maintained that a successful legal challenge by AstraZeneca, which last week sued the agency to thwart lower-cost competition, would be “disastrous” for consumers. (Silverman, 7/7)
The Wall Street Journal: KaloBios Takes Measures To Limit Martin Shkreli’s Shareholder Rights
KaloBios Pharmaceuticals on Thursday said it had reached an agreement with ousted Chief Executive Martin Shkreli to limit his shareholder rights, a week after the rare disease drugmaker said it had emerged from bankruptcy. Mr. Shkreli, who now holds less than 14% of the South San Francisco-based biotech firm’s shares according to the company, was arrested in December on securities-fraud charges unrelated to KaloBios. Soon after, the company filed for bankruptcy protection, fearing the turmoil surrounding Mr. Shkreli created an “imminent threat” to its liquidity. (Steele, 7/7)
Bloomberg: KaloBios In Agreement To Buy Former CEO Shkreli’s Shares
KaloBios Pharmaceuticals Inc. said it has an agreement with Martin Shkreli, the company’s former chief executive officer who came under fire for raising drug prices, to buy back his shares and restrict his shareholder actions, in a move to cut ties with the controversial investor. (Bloomfield, 7/7)
