1. Gilead Sciences has spent $100 million on ads for hepatitis-C treatment Harvoni, which costs $1,100 per pill and has generated questions about rising drug prices. Estimates from iSpot.tv and Kantar Media say the total value of Harvoni’s more than 11,000 TV ads are between $60 million to $80 million. (Stat)
2. Allergan is working with Khloé Kardashian on a campaign for its double-chin treatment Kybella, which was approved in April. The Live Chin Up campaign launched this week.
3. Sanofi and Merck ended a 22-year-old joint venture selling vaccines in Europe. The revenues for the business have been flat in recent years. (Reuters)
4. A new study found that retail health clinics lead to higher overall spending. Spending is higher when people used the clinics to treat minor conditions they used to treat at home. In other cases, money was saved when people visited the less expensive clinic rather than going to the doctor or ER. (NYT)
5. ICYMI: PCI Pharma Services, which markets clinical trial supply services to the drug industry, is reportedly seeking a buyer. Frazier Healthcare Partners, the company’s private-equity owner, is exploring a sale. (Reuters)
