Weight Watchers stock dropped 30% on Tuesday after disappointing Q4 results. The company said it earned $44 million in Q4, a drop of about 30% from the year prior. Weight Watchers also said it had a “soft start” to 2019. (MarketWatch)
Pharma executives went before Congress in a closely watched drug-pricing hearing. The seven execs fielded questions on topics from marketing spend to differences in international drug prices. They called for reform of the rebate system and dodged attempts to pin the blame entirely on pharma for drug costs. (MM&M)
The FDA is taking new measures to combat the opioid crisis. The federal agency’s efforts include new dosage forms, small-quantity packaging, and an overhaul of its opioid-safety measures. The FDA will also continue its efforts to crack down on online illicit opioid sales and research non-addictive pain treatments. (Wall Street Journal)
AstraZeneca cancer drug Lynparza has met its goal in a late-stage pancreatic cancer trial. Lynparza has already been approved to treat advanced breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The drug is co-developed by AstraZeneca and Merck. (Reuters)
Amgen has won a Repatha patent challenge by Sanofi and Regeneron. A jury confirmed the validity of its patents for cholesterol drug Repatha. The ruling means that Sanofi and Regeneron’s co-developed Praluent infringed on Repatha’s patents. (Reuters)
