Good morning, everyone, and welcome to another working week. We hope the weekend respite was refreshing and invigorating, because that oh-so familiar routine of online meetings, phone calls, and deadlines has predictably returned. But you knew this would happen, yes? After all, the world, such as it is, continues to spin. So time to give it a nudge in a better direction with a cup or two of stimulation. Our choice today is pistachio creme, a tasty delight. As always, you are invited to join us. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits to digest. We hope you have a smashing day and conquer the world. And of course, do stay in touch. …
Novo Nordisk agreed to acquire Cardior Pharmaceuticals in a deal worth up to $1.1 billion, picking up additional drug candidates for its pipeline of cardiometabolic medicines, STAT wrties. Cardior focuses on targeting RNA to address the root causes of heart disease, and its lead candidate, known CDR132L, is in Phase 2 development as a treatment for heart failure. The companies did not disclose how much Novo is paying upfront for Cardior or how much would be based on future milestones achieved. Novo, which makes the diabetes and obesity drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, said Cardior would help build its presence in cardiovascular medicine, a burgeoning field for the company.
Although Medicare will cover Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug Wegovy if prescribed to prevent heart problems, experts say beneficiaries may encounter significant barriers getting access, STAT explains. The change occurred after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy for preventing heart problems in people with obesity and heart disease. Experts say private insurers that administer Part D plans can still exclude Wegovy on formularies if they think it would be too costly. And plans that do include the drug, which has a $16,000 annual list price, could still make patients pay much of the cost and impose requirements that bar patients from getting the drug.
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