Broker’s Call: Fortis Healthcare (Buy)
Motilal Oswal initiates coverage on Fortis Healthcare with a Buy rating, setting a target of ₹1,100 (≈ $13) versus the current price of ₹928.10 (≈ $11). Since IHH Healthcare took over in FY‑19, the hospital chain has cleaned up its balance sheet, exited non‑core assets and upgraded governance. Operating performance has improved dramatically, with EBITDA growing at a 33% CAGR to an estimated ₹2,050 crore (≈ $247 M) and PAT projected at ₹1,080 crore (≈ $130 M) for FY 26E. The broker values the hospital business at 30× forward EV/EBITDA and diagnostics at 23×, reflecting the firm’s transformation and growth outlook.
Exclusive: UC Berkeley Startup Bets on Jumping Genes for GLP-1 Gene Therapy
A UC Berkeley spin‑out is developing a gene‑therapy platform that inserts a GLP‑1‑producing cassette into patients' cells using a jumping‑gene (transposon) system. The approach seeks to turn the body into its own continuous source of the hormone, eliminating the need...
Alcohol Causes More Cancers in Australia than Previously Thought
A University of Sydney study published in the British Journal of Cancer estimates that 4.6% of all cancers in Australia—about 7,800 cases in 2024—are attributable to alcohol, higher than previous 2.8‑4.1% estimates. Overall cancer risk rises 19% with alcohol consumption,...
AAN 2026: Long Half-Life and Long-Acting Injectable, What Pharmacists Should Know About RAP-219's Dosing Advantages for Focal Epilepsy
Rapport Therapeutics presented phase 2 data for RAP‑219 at the AAN 2026 meeting, showing 24% of drug‑resistant focal epilepsy patients achieved complete seizure freedom over an eight‑week period. The trial leveraged responsive neurostimulation (RNS) devices to capture objective electrographic seizure data,...
Interoperability Governance Gaps Put Pressure on Nationwide Exchange Networks
Health Gorilla CEO Bob Watson warns that nationwide health‑information exchange networks are being asked to govern data at a scale they were never designed for. He recommends a federally overseen, industry‑funded credentialing authority to standardize onboarding, reduce fraud risk, and...
New Antibody Drugs Target Disease From Within
Researchers have used AI to redesign antibody binding fragments, creating more than 600 stable intracellular versions. By adjusting charge distribution, these fragments remain soluble inside cells and retain target specificity, enabling direct binding to disease‑driving proteins such as those implicated...
What Makes AI a Friend, Foe or Time Thief in Radiology?
Artificial intelligence is reshaping radiology, but its value depends on how hospitals manage it after FDA clearance. Emory’s Dr. Patricia Balthazar warns that post‑deployment monitoring, workflow integration, and governance are critical to avoid performance drift. She highlights recent server‑routing glitches...
Regulatory Round-Up: Novartis, Sanofi and Arrowhead Secure CHMP Blessings
The European Committee for Medicinal Products (CHMP) issued positive opinions on three therapies: Sanofi's BTK inhibitor cenrifki for non‑relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, Arrowhead's siRNA drug redemplo for familial chylomicronemia syndrome, and Novartis' gene‑replacement therapy itvisma for spinal muscular atrophy....
Jefferies Updates Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV) Forecasts After Deeper Analysis of Exchange Segment Dynamics
Jefferies analyst David Windley trimmed Elevance Health’s (ELV) price target to $391 from $395, citing a deeper review of the health‑insurance exchange segment. The revision accompanies updated financial forecasts that reflect refined assumptions about managed‑care plan dynamics. In March, Elevance...
Evercore ISI Says Sun Pharma Deal Talk for Organon & Co. (OGN) Lacks Confirmation, Remains Speculative
Evercore ISI said media reports of a potential $12 billion Sun Pharmaceutical offer for Organon & Co. are speculative and lack confirmation. The firm emphasized that the rumor does not constitute a confirmed transaction. Separately, Organon’s VTAMA (tapinarof) 1% cream received...
Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (INSP) PT Reduced to $64 as Truist Updates MedTech Outlook Ahead of Q1
Truist Financial trimmed its price target for Inspire Medical Systems (INSP) to $64 from $70, while keeping a Hold stance, as part of a broader MedTech outlook ahead of the company’s Q1 earnings. A day earlier, Royal Bank of Canada...
The Cancer Crisis We Can See Coming And Have the Tools to Change
Colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death for Americans under 50, with survival dropping sharply when diagnosis is delayed. A one‑month postponement of treatment raises mortality risk by more than 12 %, and a three‑month delay can increase...
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About a Trump Deal with Regeneron, Reclassifying Medical Marijuana, and More
President Trump sealed a private drug‑pricing pact with Regeneron, securing lower Medicaid prices, a $225 price point for Praluent, and a $27 billion commitment to U.S. drug development. The agreement also coincided with FDA approval of Otarmeni, the first gene therapy...
Precision Delivered: How Radiopharmaceuticals Are Reshaping Cancer Care
Radiopharmaceuticals, especially alpha‑emitting agents, are emerging as precision tools that deliver high‑LET radiation directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Building on decades of beta‑emitter use, alpha therapies generate dense DNA damage and are less dependent on tumor oxygenation....
‘What the Health?’ Podcast: RFK Jr. Vs. Congress
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrapped a House and Senate committee tour aimed at selling President Donald Trump’s health‑budget proposal while fielding questions on his outspoken vaccine views. The same week, Trump signed an executive order to streamline the use of hallucinogenic...
Earlier Hospice Election Could Save Medicare $1.5B Yearly
Medicare could save between $1.19 billion and $1.5 billion annually if eligible beneficiaries elected hospice five days earlier, according to a new analysis by the Research Institute for Home Care and ATI Advisory. The study examined beneficiaries who entered hospice within eight...
Hospitals Are Leading the Way to a Healthier America
More than 1,000 hospital and health‑system executives gathered in Washington for the American Hospital Association’s 2026 Annual Membership Meeting, pressing lawmakers to safeguard access to high‑quality, affordable care. Speakers highlighted hospitals’ unique position to advocate for patients and to lead...
The Road Ahead—What’s Next for Host Cell Protein Analytics?
Advanced LC‑MS strategies are reshaping host cell protein (HCP) analytics, moving beyond the semi‑quantitative limits of traditional ELISA. Data‑independent acquisition (DIA) offers broad relative profiling, while stable‑isotope‑labeled (SIL) peptides provide absolute quantification for high‑risk HCPs. Integrating DIA, SIL, and ELISA...
The Brand-Driven Flywheel: Igniting Growth Through a Simple Patient Experience
The article argues that legacy patient‑support models are outdated and proposes direct‑to‑patient (DTP) platforms as a brand‑driven flywheel for growth. DTP unifies access, fulfillment and support into a single, tech‑enabled journey, cutting prior‑authorization delays and improving adherence. With specialty drugs...
AJMC® in the Press, April 24, 2026
AJMC highlighted four peer‑reviewed studies that expose cost‑driving inefficiencies in Medicare. One shows generic dispensing rates vary widely, suggesting billions in savings if low‑cost drugs are fully utilized. Another reveals Medicare’s wage‑index formula underpays rural hospitals for device‑intensive surgeries. A...
Bispecific Antibodies Are Reshaping Multiple Myeloma Care: Prerna Mewawalla, MD
Bispecific antibodies are rapidly reshaping multiple myeloma treatment by delivering response rates up to 80% in earlier relapse settings, far surpassing the historic 30% seen with conventional therapies. These agents simultaneously bind a myeloma antigen such as BCMA, GPRC5D or...
Pfizer Presents Auristatin S ADC for GPNMB Tumors
Pfizer has unveiled PF-08046033, an antibody‑drug conjugate that links the potent cytotoxic agent auristatin S to an antibody targeting the transmembrane glycoprotein NMB (GPNMB). The ADC is designed to deliver the payload directly into GPNMB‑expressing tumors, potentially widening the therapeutic...
Pharma Industry Faces Long Haul to Get Return on Investment From AI
The pharmaceutical sector is confronting a prolonged timeline before artificial intelligence delivers a clear return on investment. While AI tools have accelerated early‑stage drug discovery, most companies still grapple with data integration, regulatory compliance, and the high cost of talent....
Closing the Pediatric Care Gap Through Primary Care Reimbursement Reform: Chris Johnson, MBA
Chris Johnson, MBA, founder of Bluebird Kids Health, warns that many U.S. communities are becoming pediatric care deserts, with as few as one pediatrician for every 6,000‑7,000 children. The shortage forces families, especially those on Medicaid, to seek routine care...
Modified CRISPR Tool Targets Down Syndrome Mutation
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School have engineered a modified CRISPR system that inserts the long non‑coding RNA XIST into one copy of chromosome 21, silencing the extra genetic material that causes Down syndrome. The new...
FTC, US Anesthesia Partners Reach Settlement in Texas Price Collusion Case
The Federal Trade Commission reached a confidential settlement with U.S. Anesthesia Partners (USAP), a private‑equity‑backed anesthesia provider, over allegations it consolidated the Texas market and raised prices. USAP denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid costly litigation, while the...
‘We Need to Change the Conversation’: Tips for Assessing CV Risk in South Asian Adults
South Asian adults experience higher and earlier cardiovascular risk than other groups, prompting calls for earlier screening. Endocrinologist Rachna Relwani recommends coronary calcium scans beginning at age 40‑45 regardless of BMI, and adding Lp‑a, ApoB and CRP to standard labs....
Re: Sexual Misconduct: “Deeply Alarming” Rise in Cases Against Doctors
The Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery responded to a BMJ report on a rise in doctor‑related sexual misconduct cases, arguing that the increase in reported incidents reflects greater awareness and psychological safety rather than a worsening problem. The...
Symptoms of Early Dementia Reversed by Bespoke Treatment Plans
A new personalized approach that targets nutritional gaps, infections, and environmental toxins has shown measurable improvements in memory and daily functioning for people with mild cognitive decline or early‑stage dementia. The bespoke treatment plans combine medical interventions with lifestyle changes...
Radiology Groups Endorse Bill to Exempt Physicians From $100,000 Visa Fee
A bipartisan bill, the H‑1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act, seeks to exempt physicians and nurses from a newly proposed $100,000 immigration visa fee. The American College of Radiology, American Society of Neuroradiology and more than 40 medical...
Sankofa Village Wellness Center Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
Mayor Brandon Johnson and local officials cut the ribbon on the new Sankofa Village Wellness Center in West Garfield Park. The three‑story, 60,000‑square‑foot hub will deliver primary medical, dental, behavioral, reproductive, substance‑abuse and HIV‑prevention services to roughly 6,000 patients each...
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Receives the CHMP’s Positive Opinion for Redemplo (Plozasiran) to Treat Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS)
The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) issued a positive opinion on Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals’ RNAi therapy Redemplo (plozasiran) as an adjunct to diet for adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). The recommendation follows the Phase III...
Study Finds Children in the US Die at Higher Rates than Peers in Other High-Income Nations
A new study by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia reveals that U.S. children die at higher rates than peers in 18 other high‑income nations across every age group. The mortality gap first appeared in the early 1950s and has persisted, with...
Med Ad News Honors Winners of 37th Annual Manny Awards
Med Ad News announced the winners of its 37th Annual Manny Awards at a black‑tie gala in New York. Publicis Health CEO Matt McNally earned Industry Person of the Year after delivering double‑digit growth and investing in health‑specific AI tools....
Lilly’s CAR-T Devotion; CBER’s Next Top Dog?
Eli Lilly announced the acquisition of Kelonia Therapeutics, an in‑vivo CAR‑T biotech, extending its push into next‑generation cell therapies. The deal follows Lilly’s recent milestone of becoming the first drugmaker to hit a $1 trillion market value, underscoring a diversification strategy that...
The Problem with Psychedelic Research
President Trump signed an executive order to speed the approval of psychedelic drugs for veterans with PTSD and depression, marking the first major regulatory push for these treatments. A new review of 24 studies compared psychedelics to open‑label antidepressants and...
Is Pharma Missing the Boat on Diagnostics?
Pharma giants are accelerating investments in diagnostics to support precision‑medicine strategies, highlighted by Roche's $595 million purchase of SAGA Diagnostics and Abbott's $21 billion acquisition of Exact Sciences. Venture capital for diagnostics lagged behind AI, with only $1.7 billion raised last year versus...
OCR Announces Settlements of Four Ransomware Investigations that Affected Over 427,000 Individuals
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights announced settlements with four HIPAA‑covered entities after ransomware breaches that exposed the protected health information of more than 427,000 individuals. Regional Women’s Health Group, Assured Imaging, Consociate Health...
Improved Communication of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Needed
A multi‑institution survey of 382 ICU clinicians and 146 survivors reveals a stark gap between provider awareness of post‑intensive care syndrome (PICS) and patient communication. While 73.8% of clinicians recognize the term, only 16.6% of patients recall being told about...
KT-621 Gets FDA Fast Track Designation for Eosinophilic Asthma
Kymera Therapeutics received FDA fast‑track designation for its oral STAT6 degrader KT‑621, targeting moderate‑to‑severe eosinophilic asthma and atopic dermatitis. The first‑in‑class molecule works intracellularly, offering a potential oral alternative to injectable biologics that block the IL‑4/IL‑13 pathway. Phase 2b trials are...
Sanofi’s Tolebrutinib Gets CHMP Backing for Certain MS Patients Despite FDA Rejection
Sanofi’s BTK inhibitor tolebrutinib received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s CHMP for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, despite a complete response letter from the U.S. FDA in December. The CHMP recommendation paves the way for a...
CAR T-Cell Therapy May Prevent Progression of Smoldering Myeloma
A phase‑2 trial of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta‑cel) in 20 high‑risk smoldering multiple myeloma patients achieved a 100% overall response rate, with all participants reaching minimal residual disease negativity within two months and no progression after a median 15.3‑month follow‑up. The...
Heidi Health Enters SA Market as Clinician-Led AI Grows
Heidi, an AI‑driven clinical care platform, has officially launched in South Africa after organically attracting more than 15,000 local clinicians. The service now powers roughly 1.5 million consultations each month, with weekly active usage climbing 500% year‑on‑year. By offering offline‑capable, multilingual...
New Scoring Tool Shows Radiation Can Reprogram Pancreatic Tumor Environment
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center introduced the Harmonic Output of Stromal Traits Factor (HOST‑Factor), a composite scoring system that quantifies the functional state of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Using the tool, they showed that pulsed low‑dose‑rate (PLDR) chemoradiation reprograms...
Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ Aging You? New Research Raises Concerns for Men
Researchers analyzing U.S. NHANES data found that two newer PFAS chemicals—perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA)—are linked to accelerated epigenetic aging in men aged 50 to 64. The compounds were present in 95% of participants, but only men showed a...
Orthopedic Care Draws in PE: 6 Deals
Private‑equity firms are increasingly targeting the orthopedic sector, with six deals announced this year. Archimed, Cinven, Gemspring and InTandem are among the investors, collectively committing roughly $1.2 billion. The transactions span traditional device manufacturers, joint‑replacement joint ventures, and emerging digital orthopedics...
Pfizer’s Strategy Chief Andrew Baum Steps Down; Helus Pharma Swaps Out CEO After Two Months
Andrew Baum, former Citi analyst and Pfizer's chief strategy and innovation officer, has left his executive role but will stay on as a senior strategic advisor to CEO Albert Bourla. His exit adds to a recent series of senior departures...
BIO Is Expanding Its Work to Defend IP
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is scaling its intellectual‑property advocacy by creating an IP Task Force and a new Economic Growth, Innovation, and Intellectual Property Committee to steer strategy. BIO is actively lobbying on Capitol Hill, filing amicus briefs, and...
Concierge Medicine Was Built For The Few. Here’s How To Open It To The Many
Concierge and direct primary care models, long limited to affluent patients, are gaining traction as a solution to primary‑care capacity constraints. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM) codes in January 2025, offering per‑patient,...
FEMA Approves More Than $657 Million to Reimburse States, Medical Facilities for Backlog of Public Assistance
The Department of Homeland Security announced that FEMA will disburse more than $657 million to clear a backlog of COVID‑19 public‑assistance reimbursements. The money will flow through FEMA’s Public Assistance program to fund 75 projects across states, territories and health‑care facilities....