Photo credit: Uncalno Tekno/Creative Commons

1. The FDA announced it will solicit public comment on a proposal to study character space limitations within online communications about prescription drugs. The agency hopes to determine whether a link to risk information can effectively convey information about a drug. 

2. Biogen and Ionis Pharmaceuticals said Spinraza, their experimental drug for spinal muscular atrophy, showed significant improvement in motor function among children who suffer a late onset of the disease in a phase-III study. (WSJ)

3. Valeant Pharmaceuticals cut its annual earnings forecast after it reported losses in the third quarter of 2016. The Canadian drugmaker reported a net loss of $1.22 billion after it took a $1.05 billion goodwill impairment charge to lower the value of some of its U.S. businesses. (Bloomberg)

4. Coherus BioSciences said the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected its petition to review the formulation of AbbVie’s blockbuster rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira. Humira’s main U.S. patent expires in December and sales of the drug have slowed. Denial of the petition could prevent Coherus from launching a biosimilar version in 2018. (Reuters)

5. CVS Health shares dropped 11% to $73.94 in premarket trading as the chain cut its annual profit forecast. CVS said its integrated model of operating retail stores and serving as a pharmacy benefit manager has been challenged by competitors like Walgreens Boots Alliance, which formed an alliance with Prime Therapeutics in August to be the PBM’s preferred pharmacy. (WSJ)