News

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers MJH Life Sciences’ acquisition of BPD Healthcare to deepen its reach into hospitals and health systems, investor reaction to Novo Nordisk’s recent board changes, and Mark Cuban’s latest partnership expanding his Cost Plus Drugs platform to disrupt traditional pharmacy pricing models.

In the second part of her Pharma Commerce video interview Megan Wetzel, VP, product, access & affordability at CoverMyMeds, describes how high development costs, personalized treatment models, and an aging population are intensifying the imbalance.

At HLTH 2025, the entrepreneur announced a collaboration between Cost Plus Drugs and President Trump’s TrumpRx platform aimed at improving transparency, reducing drug costs, and reshaping how Americans access their prescriptions.

This episode of Pharma Pulse discusses new data showing a post-Dobbs surge in telehealth medication abortion requests, the FDA’s expedited review of Tzield under its new National Priority Voucher Program, and the launch of a dedicated biopharma air logistics network by Frontier Scientific Solutions and ATSG.

Administrative hurdles and emotional isolation are driving therapy abandonment and worsening outcomes—Megan Wetzel of CoverMyMeds and Jen Butler of Pleio say the solution lies in combining streamlined access with stronger human connection.

The new partnership aims to transform cold chain logistics for life sciences, creating a connected air transport network designed to ensure temperature integrity, regulatory compliance, and faster delivery of critical therapies.

Kala Shankle, JD, HDA’s vice president of regulatory affairs, shares that as DSCSA traceability requirements take full effect, distributors and trading partners are preparing for long-term gains in supply chain security, recall efficiency, and counterfeit prevention.

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers Amazon and WeightWatchers’ partnership to deliver FDA-approved weight-loss medications, Merck’s new biomanufacturing center of excellence in Virginia, and the FDA’s first-ever approval of a TSLP-targeting biologic, Tezspire, for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

The company’s new 400,000-square-foot facility in Elkton will boost small molecule manufacturing, create hundreds of jobs, and strengthen US innovation and supply chain resilience.

This episode of Pharma Pulse discusses new research linking severe COVID-19 to increased stroke risk among asthma patients, a KFF poll showing divided parental support for vaccine-related agendas, and US News & World Report’s 2026 list of top Medicare Advantage and Part D plan providers.

Aetna, Devoted Health, and UnitedHealth headline the list best Medicare Advantage insurers for next year, while Centene and Humana lead the pack in Part D prescription drug coverage.

Kala Shankle, JD, HDA’s vice president of regulatory affairs, details that after a year of steady progress, manufacturers and distributors report over 97% data accuracy under DSCSA traceability requirements, marking a major milestone in supply chain interoperability and signaling confidence ahead of the November compliance deadline.

The collaboration demonstrates that ocean freight can safely transport temperature-sensitive medicines, offering the pharma industry a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to air cargo.

This episode of Pharma Pulse discusses new research revealing persistent disparities in women’s cancer outcomes, record-high physician pay amid steady productivity, and AstraZeneca’s major Texas expansion to double production of its hyperkalemia treatment, Lokelma.

The $445 million expansion of AstraZeneca’s Coppelsite will boost global production capacity for Lokelma, enhance local job growth, and strengthen the company’s US manufacturing footprint amid industry-wide onshoring trends.

Kala Shankle, JD, HDA’s vice president of regulatory affairs, describes how at this year’s seminar, attendees emphasized pragmatic approaches to achieving full compliance while anticipating upcoming FDA rules that could reshape wholesale and 3PL licensure standards across the pharma supply chain.

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers the FDA’s approval of a rapid one-minute HIV self-test, the US government’s decision to delay tariffs on pharmaceutical exports from Singapore, and CVS Pharmacy’s acquisition of more than 600 Rite Aid stores across three states to expand its community health footprint.

A planned 100% tariff on branded and patented drugs from Singapore is being postponed as US and Singapore officials explore potential exemptions.

In the third part of her Pharma Commerce video interview, Linda Malek, JD, partner at Crowell & Moring, explains how healthcare organizations can harmonize both approaches by prioritizing fairness, transparency, and adaptable systems.

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers the nationwide Kaiser Permanente strike involving more than 40,000 healthcare workers, Takeda’s new AI-driven antibody discovery partnership with Nabla Bio, and the FDA’s OAI designation for Novo Nordisk’s Bloomington manufacturing facility.

In the second part of her Pharma Commerce video interview, Linda Malek, JD, partner at Crowell & Moring, notes that by bringing regulators and innovators together, regulatory sandboxes could help US healthcare organizations test and refine AI tools responsibly, which allows oversight agencies to keep pace with rapid technological change.

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Mark Lee, Marqvision’s founder and CEO, and Sean O’Hearen, founder and principal consultant at 1st Line Partners, warn that counterfeiters are rapidly leveraging AI to create fake websites, social profiles, and manipulated product content—outpacing traditional protections and highlighting widespread underreporting of falsified medicines.

The fallout is impacting partners Scholar Rock and Regeneron, both of whom have pending regulatory applications tied to the facility.

Krenar Komoni, founder and CEO of Tive, predicts that AI-driven automation and its accelerating impact on pharmaceutical supply chains will remain a headline topic at LogiPharma USA, as the industry faces growing pressure to innovate while balancing strict regulatory requirements.

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers how recent CDC layoffs are fueling concerns about disease surveillance, Ypsomed’s new autoinjector manufacturing site in North Carolina, and Lupin’s $250 million investment to build a respiratory and specialty drug facility in Florida.

The global generics maker’s new Florida site will produce more than 25 critical respiratory medicines, create over 200 jobs, and reinforce domestic manufacturing and drug security.

Krenar Komoni, founder and CEO of Tive, highlights the transition in pharma from passive to real-time temperature control, noting delays in technology adoption but emphasizing how AI and automation will soon drive cost savings, improved quality, and stronger customer experience.

This episode of Pharma Pulse covers how Mark Cuban’s direct-to-consumer pharmacy is challenging traditional drug pricing models, AstraZeneca’s $4.5 billion investment to expand its Virginia manufacturing site, and Bristol Myers Squibb’s $1.5 billion acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics to advance RNA-based medicines.