1. An op-ed in The New York Times criticized the direct-to-consumer ad for Opdivo, Bristol-Myers Squibb’s immuno-oncology drug, calling it “utterly misleading and exploitive” in its promise for “a chance to live longer.” Only 20% of late-stagestage four non-small cell lung cancer patients have shown measurable response to the drug, and their life expectancy increased three months, compared to chemotherapy, the op-ed argued. (NYT)
2. Physicians are pushing back against a requirement that will force manufacturers to report their continuing education spending provided to physicians to the Open Payments database. Doctors support a Senate bill that would exempt drug and device makers from reporting CME spending. (Stat)
3. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International said it plans to sell non-core assets worth $8 billion and is open to selling two of its core businesses: Bausch & Lomb and Salix, as well. Despite the drugmaker’s stock reaching a two-month high after the news was announced, it is still 90% lower than it was a year ago. (Reuters)
4. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton voiced the need for Congress to pass emergency funding for a response to the Zika virus, urging Congress leadership “to call people back for a special session and get a bill passed.” (Stat)
5. Medicaid in states where the program was expanded under the Affordable Care may be improving people’s health and saving them money, a new study found. Low-income people in states where Medicaid insurance was expanded to a certain income threshold appeared healthier than people in other states that did not expand Medicaid, like Texas. (NYT)
