1. Expect more pharma M&A in 2016. Mergers and acquisitions, such as Pfizer’s proposed merger with Allergan, have been “an important part” of the industry’s response to the value and pricing debate, according to a new report from Fitch Ratings.
2. Mylan said it received a subpoena from the Justice Department about the marketing, pricing and sales of its generic antibiotic, doxycycline, as well as communications with competitors about the drug. The drugmaker plans to cooperate with the request. (WSJ)
3. KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, which recently hired controversial Turing CEO Martin Shkreli as its chief executive, said it acquired worldwide rights to a drug being developed to treat Chagas disease. The disease is considered one of five neglected parasitic infections in the US and drugmakers that develop treatments for the disease are eligible for a Priority Review voucher. (Reuters)
4. Sen. John McCain’s proposed bill to allow importation of prescription drugs from Canada failed to gather enough support in the Senate. The Arizona Republican withdrew the bill but said it wouldn’t be the last time he addresses the issue. (Politico)
5. ICYMI: As Gilead Sciences’ proposed acquisition of Pharmasset neared an agreement, Gilead executives believed the purchase of the drugmaker would be profitable if the compound that later became Sovaldi was priced between $55,000 and $75,000, according to the findings of a Senate report. When Sovaldi came to market, it had an $84,000 price tag.
