CER Daily Newsfeed

New Head-to-Head Real-World Study Shows Semaglutide Outperforms Dulaglutide in Reducing Major Cardiovascular Events

(9/22, Katie McCool, The Evidence Base) reports “...The REACH study found that Ozempic was associated with a 23% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including heart attack, stroke, or death, compared with dulaglutide in older adults with type 2 diabetes and ASCVD. It also demonstrated a 26% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 25% lower risk of an expanded five-point MACE that included hospitalization for unstable angina or heart failure. These results represent the first direct real-world comparison of cardiovascular outcomes between two GLP-1 receptor agonists in a Medicare population.” Full

Congressman Rick Allen Leads Colleagues in Reintroducing the Safe Step Act

(9/19, U.S. Representative Rick W. Allen) comments “...‘Health care decisions should be made between the patient and physician. Too often, one-size-fits-all federal mandates can hinder a provider’s ability to prescribe the treatment or medication that best suits a patient’s unique medical condition,’ said Rep. Allen. ‘The bipartisan, bicameral Safe Step Act would implement commonsense guardrails to ensure patients can safely access the treatment they need by improving step therapy protocols. I have often said that we need to restore patient-centered, cost-effective, and market-driven solutions to our health care system. This legislation does just that, and I am proud to be leading this effort in the 119th Congress.’” Full

Bristol Myers to Launch Schizophrenia Drug in the UK at the Same Price as in the US

(9/22, Anna Brown, Endpoints News) reports “...The announcement comes amid increasing industry concern in the UK over what it says is a lack of government action to improve the life science investment space. The company is still willing ‘to walk away’ from the UK if the country’s National Health Service and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence fail to see the value of its medicine, BMS chief commercialization officer Adam Lenkowsky told Endpoints on Monday.” Subscription Required

In UK, Big Pharma Pressure Campaign Rolls on as Bristol Myers Plans US-Level Pricing for Cobenfy

(9/22, Kevin Dunleavy, Fierce Pharma) reports “...‘By making this commitment with Cobenfy, we are asking the UK to step up in recognizing the value of truly innovative therapies,’ BMS chief commercial officer Adam Lenkowsky said in a statement. ‘We agree with the Trump administration that other countries need to pay their fair share,’ he added.” Full

'Most Favored Nation' Drug Pricing Is a Bad Deal for Patients

(9/19, Gerard Scimeca, RealClearHealth) comments “...If U.S. leaders bring European-style price controls here, the financial losses will force them to reduce research and development into breakthrough treatments...Simply put, we can't fix America's prescription drug market by copying foreign countries' backwards price-setting schemes. Doing so would keep countless lifesaving drugs from being invented. It could even give adversaries like China a chance to take America's place as the world's leading medical innovator.” Full

First EU HTAs with IQWiG Involvement Launched

(9/22, The Pharma Letter) reports “...Tovotafenib, to be marketed in Europe by French drugmaker Ipsen, is intended for use in children and adolescents with low-grade malignant glioma...In addition, the IQWiG is currently involved in three other JCAs of oncology drugs as an assessor. These assessments are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.” Subscription Required

Belgium Competition Authority Tackles Reimbursement Barriers For Combination Drugs

(9/22, Francesca Bruce, Pink Sheet) reports “...The Belgian Competition Authority has set out guidance on how pharmaceutical companies can share information on combination therapies when seeking their reimbursement.” Subscription Required