STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Trump drug pricing flaw, a Gilead deal, and more
Why it matters: Trump's drug pricing plan faces major flaws, while Gilead's acquisition reshapes autoimmune therapy development.
- Chris Klomp, Medicare director, indicated that Trump's most-favored nation drug pricing plan might increase new drug prices in other countries, not lower U.S. prices, and could be sidestepped by drugmakers delaying international launches, according to STAT.
- Rachel Sachs, a law professor, highlighted a potential loophole where drugmakers could delay product launches abroad, making it impossible to verify most-favored nation pricing until after deals expire.
- Gilead Sciences plans to acquire Ouro Medicines for up to $2.18 billion to expand its autoimmune-disease therapy portfolio, as reported by The Wall Street Journal and STAT News.
- Gilead's acquisition includes a collaboration with Galapagos, where Galapagos will pay half of the upfront and milestone payments for Ouro, absorbing its assets and employees, offering a 'lifeline' to Galapagos, per STAT News.
A top Trump administration health official has revealed a significant flaw in the president's 'most-favored nation' drug pricing plan, suggesting it could inadvertently raise new drug prices abroad and be circumvented by drugmakers delaying international launches. Meanwhile, Gilead Sciences is set to acquire Ouro Medicines for up to $2.18 billion, a move that will bolster its inflammation portfolio and provide a crucial lifeline to its partner, Galapagos.
