1. The FDA said it will prioritize review of new generic drugs that compete with treatments made by only one drugmaker. The agency estimates that this shift could accelerate the review of 125 generic drug applications. (Bloomberg)
2. Valeant reported a loss for the last quarter of 2015 and cut its guidance for 2016. The company — whose CEO, Michael Pearson, recently returned from a medical leave of absence—had abruptly canceled its earnings call two weeks ago. Valeant is currently under investigation by Congress and the SEC over its pricing practices and accounting practices. (NYT)
3. The FDA granted a Roche cancer drug a priority review. Atezolizumab, an immunotherapy intended to treat advanced bladder cancer, will receive a decision from the agency by September 12. (Reuters)
4. An investigational treatment derived from cannabis reduced seizures in patients with a certain form of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome, for which there is no currently approved drug. GW Pharmaceuticals said Epidiolex demonstrated a 39% reduction in monthly convulsive seizures, compared to 13% for a placebo. (The Guardian)
5. Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said drug companies should be incentivized to develop new HIV and AIDS drugs with a “multibillion-dollar prize fund.” The plan, posted on the candidate’s website, said that “innovation would be rewarded annually.”
