GlaxoSmithKline is handing off its rare disease gene therapy unit to Orchard Therapeutics, a venture-backed startup based in the U.K. GSK will take a 19.9% stake and a board seat with the company. The deal is a sign of GSK CEO Emma Walmsley’s ambitions to trim its pharma portfolio. (Reuters)
CVS Health is launching a tool to make it easier to find less expensive drugs. The RX Savings Finder will allow pharmacists to compare prices and find generic drugs or therapies for customers. The program will be available to patients using CVS’ pharmacy benefit manager, Caremark. (CNBC)
Takeda Pharmaceutical is in discussion with lenders as it seeks to acquire Shire. The deal could top $40 billion and push the Japanese drugmaker into the ranks of the top pharma companies worldwide. (Reuters)
Göran Ando has joined Tessa Therapeutics as an independent director. He was formerly chairman of Novo Nordisk and CEO of Celltech. New investors recently pumped $50 million into the company. (Endpoints)
Some Rite Aid shareholders are opposing its merger with grocer Albertsons, believing the deal undervalues the drug store chain. Shares of Rite Aid have dropped by 23% since the companies announced their plans to merge on February 20. (Wall Street Journal)
