1. The FDA expanded the use of Pfizer’s pneumonia vaccine Prevnar 13. Infants, young children, and adults older than 18 years old can now use the vaccine. (Tech Times)
2. An FDA advisory panel voted 20-0 in support of Novartis’ GP2015, an experimental biosimilar of Amgen’s Enbrel, which treats arthritis. The panel noted no significant difference in safety and potency. (Reuters)
3. U.S. healthcare spending increased 5.5% in 2015, and further growth of 6% is expected by 2025. A stronger economy, an aging baby boomer generation, and expanded coverage under the Affordable Care Act contributed to the rise in costs. (WSJ)
4. Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly announced a clinical trial collaboration for a metastatic breast cancer therapy, testing BI’s insulin-growth factor product with Lilly’s experimental CDK inhibitor, abemaciclib. Enrollment is scheduled to begin later this year.
5. Drugmakers’ power to raise drug prices remains strong despite pressure from health insurers and U.S. lawmakers. More than 66% of major pharmaceutical companies said increased drug prices boosted their sales in the first quarter, according to a WSJ review of corporate filings and conference-call transcripts. (WSJ)
