Photo credit: StockMonkeys.com/Creative Commons


1. Many patient- advocacy groups have remained silent in the debate about drug pricing. Critics say that is because they receive millions in dollars a year in donations from drugmakers that market the therapies used by the patients they represent. (NYT)  

2. Bristol-Myers Squibb plans to test its immuno-oncology drug Opdivo with an experimental drug being developed by Nektar Therapeutics. Nektar’s experimental drug aims to increase the expression of PD-1 inhibitors. (Reuters)

3. More than 25% of FDA employees who approved cancer and hematology drugs began working or consulting for pharmaceutical companies after leaving their jobs at the regulator, according to a new study. The research analyzed employee moves from 2001 to 2010. (Kaiser Health News)

4. Aetna plans to give free Apple Watches to its employees as part of its corporate wellness program, with specific apps aimed at helping employees refill medications and pay medical bills through Apple Pay. (Modern Healthcare)

5. ICYMI: Mylan updated the profit numbers that its CEO Heather Bresch supplied to lawmakers during a Congressional hearing last week that examined the EpiPen price increases. The profit number stated during the House committee hearing was about 60% lower than actual figure. (WSJ)