Early data suggest that Moderna’s COVID-19 booster shot provides protection against the Omicron variant, the company said Monday. It will nonetheless develop an Omicron-specific booster shot. (CNBC Weekly)
In an attempt to counter a slow launch, Biogen is halving the price of Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm. The drug will now cost $28,200 per year per person, compared to the original $56,000. (The Wall Street Journal)
Genentech has claimed licensing rights to Lineage Cell Therapeutics’ OpRegen for $50 million upfront and $620 million in potential milestones. OpRegen is a cell therapy that treats a severe form of retinal degeneration. (Endpoints News)
Oracle has agreed to acquire electronic health record company Cerner for $28.3 billion. If completed, the acquisition would be the biggest in Oracle’s history. (STAT)
The majority of COVID-19 vaccines used in the world may offer little protection against Omicron, preliminary evidence suggests. While vaccines made by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson appear to provide protection against severe illness, they may not be as effective in stopping infections. (The New York Times)
