STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a European probe into vaccine talks; net drug prices falling, and more
Rise and shine, everyone, another busy day is on the way. We can tell because our inbox is overflowing with correspondence and interesting ideas, a sure sign that we will be fully engaged for hours to come. To cope, yes, we are firing up the trusty coffee kettle and brewing some cups of stimulation. Our choice today is blueberry muffin. And yes, you are invited to join us. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits for you to digest. We hope you have smashing day and conquer the world. And do keep in touch. We enjoy the missives very much. …
Top European prosecutors are investigating allegations of criminal wrongdoing in connection with vaccine negotiations between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Pfizer chief executive officer, Politico reports. Investigators from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office have in recent months taken over from Belgian prosecutors investigating von der Leyen over “interference in public functions, destruction of SMS, corruption and conflict of interest.” No one has yet been charged in connection with the case. The probe was originally opened by Belgian judicial authorities in early 2023 after a criminal complaint was lodged by a local lobbyist.
The net prices that health plans paid for medicines — after subtracting rebates, discounts, and fees — fell by 2.8% in last year’s fourth quarter, STAT writes, adding this is the largest decline ever measured by SSR Health, a research firm that tracks the pharmaceutical industry and its pricing trends. A key reason for the big drop — which dwarfed the 0.4% decline seen at the same time a year earlier — was pricing pressure on the Humira treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis from biosimilar versions of the medicine. The Humira net price fell to roughly $29,800 at the end of last year from $48,000 at the end of 2022, a nearly 38% drop.
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