Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Damian Garde
Published on 2024-02-16 14:01:14
The struggle between pharmaceutical companies and Washington, D.C. is a topic that has been making headlines lately. Sarepta Therapeutics has made a move with an application for expanded use of Elevidys, a gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The FDA has accepted the application, and the decision date is set for June 21st. This move has significant implications for the treatment of this serious medical condition.
The pharmaceutical industry’s attempts to undermine legislation allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices has become a point of contention in both the courts and Congress. This has been a major focus in STAT’s biotech podcast, “The Readout LOUD”. STAT Washington correspondent Rachel Cohrs sheds light on the struggles of the pharmaceutical industry, the implications for the next election, and the latest news in the life sciences.
In a surprising turn of events, the FDA has granted approval to the first medicine that can prevent the need for amputation due to frostbite. This groundbreaking approval is the result of 30 years of research and represents a significant achievement in the field of medicine.
On the business front, while the recent downturn in the small drug company market has had a negative impact on biotech, it has been beneficial for Royalty Pharma, which specializes in providing short-term cash in exchange for future revenue from biotech companies. The company’s latest quarterly earnings exceeded expectations, and it anticipates continued growth in the coming years.
In other news, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals has made adjustments to their Phase 3 cardiovascular study, which has further heightened the anticipation surrounding the results of this groundbreaking study. The company’s decision to delay and make changes to the study design has raised speculation in the industry, with some concerns about the potential impact on the outcome. However, the company’s decision may also be a strategic move to ensure the success of the study.
The industry is also buzzing about the latest crackdown by the FDA on websites selling chemicals in obesity drugs, new investments in biotech firms by influential family offices, and the debate over Covid-19 vaccine confidence and public messaging.
In conclusion, the biotech industry is continuously evolving and making strides in various areas, from innovative drug approvals to the financial landscape of the industry. These developments have significant implications for the future of healthcare and biotechnology. As the industry continues to grow and advance, it remains an exciting and dynamic sector to watch for both investors and the general public.



