1. Biogen reported higher-than-expected second quarter earnings driven by the sales of its spinal muscular atrophy drug Spinraza, which the FDA approved last year. (Reuters)
2. FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb plans to meet with health insurers and pharmacy benefit payers in September to discuss ways to curb opioid addiction in the U.S. (Bloomberg)
3. UnitedHealth Group reportedly launched a $240 million review for media planning and buying for its brands. The RFPs reportedly went to networks including MDC Partners, Publicis Groupe, and WPP’s GroupM. (Adweek)
4. A commentary published in Stat News found that mergers in the pharmaceutical industry are on the rise, in part due by the fact that U.S. drug companies are holding about $1.3 trillion in cash overseas. (Stat)
5. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries announced plans to lay off employees in two of its production units in Israel. Local newspapers reported that there would be about 350 job cuts. (Endpoints News)
