1. Novo Nordisk reported a 174% increase in Tresiba sales in the first three months of 2017, due to new formulary positioning with CVS Health. Novo CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen told investors “there was a massive increase in the number of new-to-brand scripts when the CVS contract was opened.” (BioPharmaDIVE)
2. Novartis took the worldwide option for Conatus Pharmaceuticals’ experimental NASH drug, in a $7 million deal. Novartis announced a partnership with Conatus in December. (Endpts)
3. The FDA is still working to build a digital health unit that will regulate software as a medical device, according to an FDA official speaking at the MedCon conference in Cincinnati. (RAPS)
4. The American Health Care Act passed the House of Representatives in a 217-to-213 vote. But hospital, insurer, and consumer groups said the bill needs significant improvements for low-income Americans that buy individual plans or rely on Medicaid. (NYT)
5. Anthem filed a petition with the Supreme Court to review its proposed merger with Cigna. The U.S. Court of Appeals had ruled the merger would restrict access to care for millions of Americans. (MarketWatch)
