1. Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals can continue to market their PCSK9 inhibitor, Praluent, after a U.S. appeals court stayed an order that sought to block them from selling the drug. Amgen had sued the companies, alleging they infringed on the patents for its own PCSK9 inhibitor, Repatha. The companies are appealing Amgen’s win. (Reuters)
2. A new trial found that Bayer’s blood-thinner Xarelto can prevent heart attacks and strokes in patients suffering from certain types of artery disease. The drug is already approved to prevent strokes in patients with irregular heart beats and clots. (Reuters)
3. Vice President Mike Pence is advocating for a law that would allow terminally ill patients to gain more access to experimental drugs. Drugmakers are opposed to such legislation. (Bloomberg)
4. The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association is preparing to defend pharmacy benefit managers if the Trump administration attacks the PBM business model as part of its effort to address drug prices. (Axios)
5. A federal judge blocked the proposed $48 billion merger of Anthem and Cigna, two of the nation’s largest health insurers. The judge said the deal would harm customers. (NYT)
