Juul is pitching its products to companies and insurers as smoking-cessation devices. Last year, the e-cigarette company hired Douglas Roberts, formerly of Cardinal Health, to lead an enterprise markets team that is forging agreements with health plans and providers. (CNBC)
Martin Shkreli is planning a comeback. A Wall Street Journal article described the jailed pharmaceutical executive as the behind-the-scenes “shadow power” at Phoenixus, the company formerly known as Turing Pharmaceuticals. Shkreli is in prison in Fort Dix, New Jersey. (WSJ)
What’s next for the FDA? MM&M narrowed down four primary focus areas that will demand the attention of outgoing FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb’s successor on day one. Gottlieb said this week that he plans to step down from the FDA’s top job in about a month. (MM&M)
Who will replace Gottlieb? Well, it’s complicated. First, the White House has to pick an acting director, and with another contentious election coming, it’s possible that a Senate-confirmable commissioner-designate might not be in place until after 2020. (Stat)
Adults who have been obese for years may be at a higher risk of developing dementia than those who aren’t, according to research from the U.K. Results from previous studies have been mixed, with some research actually suggesting heavier adults might be more protected from dementia. (Reuters)
