Moderna has begun a late-stage study for its RSV vaccine based on mRNA technology. The trial marks pharma’s latest push to employ mRNA technology beyond COVID-19. (Reuters)
Eli Lilly is investing $700 million in a new Boston-based research site, the Lilly Institute for Genetic Medicine. The site, which will initially employ 120 scientists, is part of the company’s greater investment in RNA-based therapies. (Endpoints News)
Bipartisan resistance to the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), President Biden’s proposed science agency, has emerged. Republicans have expressed concerns over funding the agency, while Democrats are debating its structure. (Politico)
The federal government bought billions of dollars worth of Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s molnupiravir, but didn’t define how pharmacists would be paid for dispensing them. A growing number of pharmacies are now saying dispensing fees don’t cover the cost of filling COVID-19 pill prescriptions, which could hinder access. (The Wall Street Journal)
Following an investigation from Dutch authorities, Pfizer has agreed to halt its controversial practice of lowering discounts to hospitals that buy fewer medicines from the company. The investigation found that when hospital purchases of Pfizer’s Enbrel declined due to rival medications becoming available, Pfizer limited those hospitals’ discounts. (STAT)
