1. The Trump administration is considering an outcomes-based approach that will require drugmakers to reimburse insurers if their medicines fail to deliver expected results. Critics question whether the approach truly helps lower healthcare costs for patients. (NYT)
2. As part of an effort to expand its flu-vaccine portfolio, Sanofi will acquire biotech firm Protein Sciences for $650 million. (The Financial)
3. Nestle’s health science unit has entered into a 50/50 joint venture with diagnostics company Enterome to develop microbiome-based diagnostics for gastrointestinal diseases. Nestle is investing nearly $23 million in the initiative. (Reuters)
4. MM&M this morning announced the shortlisted entries for the 2017 MM&M Awards. Area 23, an FCB Health network agency, and FCB Health lead the pack: Area 23 garnered 13 shortlisted entries, while FCB Health has eight. Other notables include HCB Health, Wunderman Health, and Publicis North America, all with four nominations. (MM&M)
5. Tech organizations, including Microsoft and Verily, are partnering with U.S. public health officials to fight the spread of the Zika virus using automation and robotics. (Reuters)
