Generic drugmakers will be able to manufacture versions of Merck’s COVID-19 pill. The deal, which will involve 105 lower-income countries, was negotiated by the United Nations-backed Medicines Patent Pool. (Reuters)
Unilever said it will not increase its $68 billion offer for GlaxoSmithKline’s consumer healthcare business. GSK plans to spin off its consumer unit later this year to focus on developing drugs and vaccines. (The Wall Street Journal)
Merck president of human health Frank Clyburn is leaving the company to become CEO at International Flavors & Fragrances, an additives company co-owned by DuPont. Previously chief commercial officer, Clyburn had been rumored to be a candidate for the Merck CEO role. (Endpoints News)
During his Wednesday press conference, President Biden defended the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s pandemic response. “The messages, to the extent they’ve been confusing – it’s because they’re scientists, they’re learning more,” Biden said. (STAT)
The federal government isn’t properly tracking the number of vaccinated healthcare workers, according to a new report. Without immunization data, “you don’t know what’s happening and you don’t have the ability to say how at risk the healthcare workforce is,” infectious disease expert Dr. Celine Gounder said. (Politico)
