PhRMA’s Go Boldly campaign showcases the work of researchers and scientists to develop a drug. The campaign includes national TV, print, digital, radio and out-of-home advertising.
1. Pharmaceutical industry trade group PhRMA spent $57 million on state and federal lobbying in 2016, nearly 70% more than it did in 2015, according to tax filings. The group spent $7 million on its “Go Boldly” campaign and paid millions to politicians ahead of the 2016 elections. (Stat)
2. Humana and two private equity firms are in talks to acquire home health and hospice provider Kindred Healthcare. The deal is reportedly worth about $4 billion. (WSJ)
3. Strongbridge Biopharma’s glaucoma drug Keveyis now costs $109,500 a year. Originally developed by Merck under the brand name Daranide and approved by the FDA in 1958, the drug was once free and cost $50 a bottle in the early 2000s. (WaPo)
4. In a Phase-III trial, Shire’s experimental drug SHP609 failed to improve treatment of children with Hunter syndrome and cognitive impairment. (Endpoints News)
5. The FDA approved Aerie Pharmaceuticals’ eyedrop Rhopressa to treat glaucoma. It will compete with Valeant Pharmaceuticals’ Vyzulta, which begins shipping to U.S. wholesalers this week. (Reuters)
