Today's Healthcare Pulse
FDA greenlights durvalumab combo for high‑risk bladder cancer
The FDA approved durvalumab (Imfinzi) combined with Bacillus Calmette‑Guerin for BCG‑naïve, high‑risk non‑muscle invasive bladder cancer. The POTOMAC trial enrolled 1,018 patients and showed a 32% reduction in disease recurrence risk (hazard ratio 0.68, p=0.015). Durvalumab is given at 1,500 mg IV every four weeks for up to 13 cycles.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Apogee Therapeutics raises $1.3B royalty financing
Even Mild Opioid Use Disorder Is Linked to a Significantly Higher Risk of Suicide
A new analysis of the 2021‑2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, covering 139,524 U.S. adults, shows that any severity of opioid use disorder (OUD) dramatically raises suicidality. Odds of suicidal thoughts are 1.9‑4.2 times higher, suicide plans 3.3‑6.7 times higher, and attempts up to tenfold higher than in people without OUD. Even mild OUD cases exhibit a three‑fold increase in suicide attempts, contradicting the belief that only severe OUD carries lethal risk. The authors call for integrated suicide screening in settings where opioids are prescribed.
Rigorous Trials, Not Hype, Prove Cancer Drug Value
Today's $RVMD study outcome in pancreatic cancer is a good lesson for all the $IBRX @DrPatrick fans. Stop with all the hand-waving "cancer cure" podcasting social media nonsense. Shut up and run well-designed clinical trials with definitive endpoints. If you have...
The IPO Buzz: Obesity-Focused Kailera Therapeutics Sets $500 Million IPO
Kailera Therapeutics, an obesity‑focused biotech developing a weekly GLP‑1 injection and a daily oral pill, filed an S‑1/A to raise $500 million. The company will offer 33.33 million shares at $14‑$16 each, which would place its market value near $1.8 billion if priced...
New Data Highlight an Unexpected Link Between Hypercortisolism and Resistant Hypertension
A new observational study reveals that hypercortisolism is present in roughly one‑quarter of patients with treatment‑resistant hypertension, with adrenal nodules identified in about 25% of those cases. The same cohort showed hyperaldosteronism in roughly 20% and a dual hormonal abnormality...
Jessica Ledesma on Navigating the New Era of Hospital Cold Storage Resilience
The rapid growth of biosimilars and high‑value specialty drugs is straining hospital pharmacy cold‑storage capacity, according to Jessica Ledesma, product manager at Swisslog Healthcare. Aging refrigeration units now pose a heightened risk of costly inventory loss and treatment interruptions. Hospitals...
Leukogene Therapeutics Announces Two Presentations at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Highlighting MHC Class II-Engager Immunotherapies
Leukogene Therapeutics announced two poster presentations at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting in San Diego, showcasing its MHC class II‑engager immunotherapy candidates for acute myeloid leukemia and pancreatic cancer. The posters will be displayed during the Immunology session on bi- and...
Wilfong Joins Navista as Chief Medical Officer: “We Really Want to Partner With Practices”
Lalan Wilfong, MD, a veteran of oncology practice transformation, has been appointed chief medical officer of Navista, Cardinal Health’s oncology practice alliance. In his role, Wilfong will drive evidence‑based pathways, value‑based care initiatives, and the rollout of advanced therapies in...
Ifinatamab Deruxtecan Granted Priority Review in the U.S. for Adult Patients with Previously Treated Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer Who...
Daiichi Sankyo and Merck have received FDA acceptance and Priority Review for the Biologics License Application of ifinatamab deruxtecan, a first‑in‑class B7‑H3‑directed antibody‑drug conjugate, targeting adult patients with extensive‑stage small cell lung cancer (ES‑SCLC) who progressed after platinum chemotherapy. The...
You Should Be More Freaked Out by Shingles
Shingles, caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus, afflicts roughly one‑third of the population, with risk sharply increasing after age 50 or in immunocompromised individuals. The disease can lead to post‑herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a chronic nerve pain that may last years...
The AI Value Gap and Why Validation Is a Practical First Win for Life Sciences
AI adoption in life‑sciences is hampered by a wide value gap, with only about 40% of firms seeing EBIT impact and most gains under 5%. A practical entry point is FDA‑oriented computer system validation (CSV) and computer software assurance, where...
OHSU Exec Highlights the Value of Practice-Based Research Networks
During a recent AHRQ‑hosted webinar, OHSU’s Melinda Davis highlighted the Oregon Rural Practice‑Based Research Network’s (ORPRN) growth and impact on health equity. The network now collaborates with over 400 primary‑care clinics—about half of Oregon’s practices—spanning all 36 counties, and operates...
Men and Women with Obesity Face Very Different Hidden Health Risks
New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity reveals that obesity impacts men and women differently, with men showing more visceral fat accumulation, higher liver enzymes and triglycerides, while women exhibit greater inflammation and higher LDL cholesterol. The study...
Genesis Capital Raises Offer for Monash IVF in Heated Takeover Battle
Genesis Capital, together with partner Soul Patts, has lifted its bid for Monash IVF, the Australian fertility services group, after building a 19.6% stake. The improved offer, valid until April 21, comes as the board weighs advice from Macquarie Capital and...
Blueroot Health Expands Recall of Aller‑C Supplement Over Undeclared Egg, Hazelnut, Soy Allergens
Blueroot Health announced on April 10 that its voluntary recall of Vital Nutrients Aller‑C dietary supplements now covers every product made from lot 25E04 after the FDA identified undeclared egg, hazelnut and soy allergens. The expansion follows an earlier recall...
China-Indonesia Partnership Aims to Produce Millions of HPV Vaccine Doses Locally
Indonesia's drug regulator, BPOM, announced a deepened partnership with Chinese biotech firms to fast‑track domestic production of the nine‑valent HPV vaccine. The collaboration seeks to generate millions of affordable doses annually, easing access for women across the archipelago.
Welltower Shares Jump 20.5% in Six Months as Senior‑Housing Demand Fuels REIT Growth
Welltower (WELL) stock climbed 20.5% over the past six months, outpacing the REIT sector’s 3.1% gain. The surge reflects robust senior‑housing demand, a $19.74 billion capital‑recycling program in 2025 and a $10.2 billion liquidity cushion, signaling opportunities for investment‑bank financing and advisory...
Memorial Hermann Restores In‑Network Status with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
Memorial Hermann Health System and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) announced a new agreement that puts all Memorial Hermann facilities back in network for BCBSTX Commercial and Blue Advantage Marketplace members. The deal ends a stalemate that began...
CDC Acting Director Allegedly Blocks Report Showing 55% Hospitalization Drop From COVID‑19 Vaccines
An internal CDC report indicating COVID‑19 vaccines cut urgent‑care visits by 50% and hospitalizations by 55% was allegedly delayed by acting director Jay Bhattacharya, according to two CDC scientists speaking to the Washington Post. The episode fuels debate over data...
Trump Administration Weighs Default Medicare Advantage Plans For Seniors
The Trump administration is moving to make Medicare Advantage the default Medicare option for seniors, backed by a 2.48% payment increase for 2027 that adds roughly $13 billion to federal reimbursements and a 5.1% boost for 2026 worth $25 billion. Regulatory changes...
Trust Before Triage: Why I Let the Patient Help Write the Agenda
In safety‑net clinics, clinicians are increasingly pressured by EMR alerts to chase quality metrics before hearing the patient’s story. Samuel Logan, a nurse practitioner, argues that starting with the question “What can I do for you today?” restores trust and...
Curbside Consult with Dr. Jayne 4/13/26
The author urges Medicare to adopt authorization and utilization‑monitoring tools similar to those used in Medicare Advantage, arguing they could catch fraud earlier. He highlights how hospitalist programs once delivered high‑quality care but now rely heavily on nurse practitioners (NPs)...
Telix, Regeneron Ink $40M 50/50 Deal to Co‑Develop Next‑Gen Radiopharmaceuticals
Telix Pharmaceuticals and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have struck a 50/50 partnership, with Regeneron paying $40 million upfront for access to Telix’s radiopharmaceutical platform on four initial cancer programs. The deal includes options for four more programs, milestone payments up to $535 million per...
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About a Pancreatic Cancer Pill, FDA Rejecting a Replimune Drug Again, and More
Revolution Medicines reported that its KRAS‑targeting oral pill daraxonrasib more than doubled median overall survival for metastatic pancreatic cancer patients, achieving 13.2 months versus 6.7 months on standard chemotherapy. The company will leverage a FDA priority‑review voucher to seek accelerated...
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Posts 12% Profit Drop Despite 4.5% Revenue Rise
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co. announced full‑year earnings of ¥19.16 bn, a 12% fall from the prior year, even as revenue rose 4.5% to ¥163.0 bn. The mixed results underscore challenges in its biotech‑focused product lines amid a tightening Japanese market.
CMS Proposes New Deadlines for Prior Authorizations for Drugs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a rule that would impose firm deadlines on federally regulated insurers for electronic prior authorizations (PA) of prescription drugs. Medicaid and CHIP plans would have 24 hours to respond, while ACA...
AbbVie Enters World of Pain in up to $715M Deal with China’s Haisco
AbbVie has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with China’s Haisco Pharmaceutical Group that could be worth up to $715 million. The deal grants AbbVie rights to a portfolio of pain‑related compounds ranging from preclinical to Phase 1 stages in China. This marks...
Amgen Pipeline’s Next Growth Cycle: Replacing Its Old Blockbusters
Amgen posted $36.8 billion in 2025 revenue, a 10% year‑on‑year rise, but its legacy blockbusters such as Enbrel, Xgeva and Otezla are under pressure from biosimilars and U.S. pricing reforms. Growth is now being driven by cardiovascular drugs, rare‑disease assets acquired...
CIS News
The latest CIS roundup highlights a wave of innovations linking imaging, robotics, and artificial intelligence in the operating room. GE HealthCare has integrated intra‑operative ultrasound into Medtronic’s Stealth AXiS surgical robot, while a systematic review finds Japan’s Hinotori system effective for...
Personalis and Collaborators to Highlight Ultrasensitive ctDNA Data and New Therapy Resistance Tracking Capabilities at AACR 2026
Personalis will showcase its ultrasensitive NeXT Personal ctDNA assay at the AAC 2026 meeting, including an oral presentation on neoadjuvant pembrolizumab in high‑risk colorectal cancer. The company will also debut Real‑Time Variant Tracker, a new MRD test option that longitudinally monitors therapy‑resistance...
Pharma Firms Accelerate Regional Capacity Building to Secure GLP-1 Supply and Mitigate Geopolitical Risks
Pharma companies are reshaping supply chains by regionalizing GLP‑1 manufacturing to mitigate geopolitical risks and meet soaring demand for metabolic therapies. Eli Lilly announced a $3 billion investment in China and a ¥20 billion ($126 million) upgrade of its Kobe plant in Japan, targeting...
Surprise, Surprise, Radiation Is Dangerous
A recent study found plutonium concentrations in recreational areas around Los Alamos, New Mexico, comparable to levels measured at the Chernobyl disaster site. The research underscores the persistent environmental legacy of the world’s first nuclear weapons complex. The post also...
Wasting or Fat Accumulation Post COVID: A Question of Viral Reservoirs?
Recent studies reveal that SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA and proteins can linger in the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissue months after acute infection. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, viral antigens were found in gut mucosa up to seven months post‑COVID, correlating...
Strategies for Delivering Smarter Pharmacy Benefits
Pharmacy benefit managers have long acted as opaque intermediaries, influencing drug coverage and pricing. Consumer tools such as GoodRx and low‑cost generic programs from retailers exposed price gaps, prompting scrutiny of spread pricing and rebates. Direct‑to‑consumer models like Cost Plus Drugs...
Same DEXA Score, Different Fracture Risks Explained
Your DEXA scan gives you a number, your doctor gives you a category, but the conversation often ends there... there's so much more nuance. Two people with the exact same T-score can have completely different fracture risk, and DEXA...
Autism Can Be Reversed? This Changes Everything
Documenting Hope published a new peer‑reviewed case report showing full autism reversal in a child using the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and targeted medical care. The post cites a growing list of similar case studies dating back to the 1970s, highlighting...
One Gene Therapy Platform Could Cure Obesity and More
Eric Kelsic makes the compelling case on using gene therapy technology to eventually treat common diseases, like obesity: “Fundamentally, we all share the same genetics." Because our bodies run on the same genetic blueprint, a disease - whether common or rare -...
Time‑restricted Eating Cuts Glucose, Insulin Resistance, HbA1c
Efficacy of different types of intermittent fasting in improving glycemic control in adults with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and network meta-analysis "Compared with a CON, TRE resulted in a larger reduction in fasting glucose... insulin resistance... HbA1c..." https://t.co/Jq9EpoAy3u
Beckman Coulter Diagnostics Earns CE Mark for New Assay Delivering Bacterial vs Viral Infection Results in Approximately 20 Minutes
Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, a Danaher company, received CE Mark approval for the Access MeMed BV assay, a high‑throughput host‑response test that distinguishes bacterial from viral infections in about 20 minutes. The assay runs on existing DxI 9000 and Access 2...
Peptides Are Potent Therapeutics, yet only a Few Qualify.
“The big picture is that peptides are a legitimate, powerful class of therapeutics, but the legitimacy is confined to a relatively narrow subset of them.” —Peter Attia 👨🏻⚕️
Talking Enhances Attention, Memory, Mood and Brain Health
Brand new TPH episode with Dr. Maryellen Macdonald about how talking sharpens attention, boosts memory, regulates emotions, and even protects against cognitive decline. https://t.co/f39rfYufQO
I Bought an Earwax Camera for My Toolkit and Use It for Everything but My Ears
The Bebird Earsight Plus D39R is a $47, USB‑C‑charged inspection camera that combines a flexible, length‑marked head with IP67 dust‑ and water‑proofing. Its built‑in gyroscope locks the image horizon, delivering clear, stable video via a dedicated iOS/Android app. The device...
Rising Health Costs Force Trade‑offs in Hiring
Rising #healthcare costs will increasingly force employers to trade off between compensation, benefits richness, and hiring volume, potentially slowing workforce growth or shifting roles toward lower-cost geographies and employment models. https://t.co/rOx2TUN5yM
Pancreatic Cancer Trials Yield Only 1‑2 Month Gains
I remember years ago in pancreatic cancer trials you were realistically looking for 1 to 2 months improvement in survival (at best) in pancreatic cancer trials. Bravo $RVMD.👏
Kratom Poisonings Soar in US as Experts Blame Synthetic Versions and Caution Against Bans
The CDC reports a 1,200% increase in kratom‑related poisonings over the past decade, a spike attributed mainly to the rise of synthetic 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) products. Experts differentiate the relatively safe natural kratom leaf from the opioid‑like risks of 7‑OH, warning...
Second‑line RVMD Improves Pancreatic Cancer Survival over First
As noted by others, the $RVMD dara mOS in 2nd line PDAC is better than mOS for current first-line regimens.
Low‑Cost Vaccine Creator Outshines Rogan’s Diet Critique
I make low cost vaccines for global health, including a Covid vaccine technology for $2-3 per dose reached 100 million people, bypassed big pharma, didn’t make money, and all these Rogan types can talk about is a joke I made...
STAT+: Revolution Medicines Touts ‘Unprecedented’ Data for Pancreatic Cancer Pill
Revolution Medicines reported that its oral KRAS‑G12C inhibitor daraxonrasib more than doubled survival for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. In a head‑to‑head trial, the daily pill yielded a median overall survival of 13.2 months versus 6.7 months for standard chemotherapy....
Keep Moving: Rest Worsens Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis... Thread #2 ! Your knee hurts. Your instinct is to rest it. Please don't. That instinct is very often wrong — and following it makes osteoarthritis worse, not better. Movement is one of the best evidence-based primary treatments for...
Avalyn Pharma Outlines IPO Fund Allocation, IVVD, REPL Updates
13April: How does Avalyn Pharma plan to spend the proceeds of the IPO for which it has filed paperwork? Read what's been made public about the company's planned initial public offering, plus updates on $IVVD and $REPL in my latest...
Daraxonrasib Halves Pancreatic Cancer Mortality, Doubles Survival
Finally, best news of the morning (and something you didn't expect so soon)... Revolution Medicines $RVMD daraxonrasib Ph3 results in second-line pancreatic cancer. Median overall survival in ITT patients (KRAS mutants + wild type combined) Dara 13.2 months vs chemo 6.7...