After successfully developing vaccines in less than a year after the COVID-19 pandemic started, Moderna and Pfizer now face the unique situation of navigating the end of U.S. government contracts that allowed all Americans to receive their shots for free.
The prices outlined by Pfizer and Moderna for the transition to a long-term business represent a significant jump over the $25-$30 a dose paid under government contracts. And Sanders contends that Moderna’s vaccine can be made for as little as $2.85 a dose.
Most health experts expect COVID-19 inoculations to become a yearly recommendation, much like flu vaccines. For well-insured patients, the shots are likely to be fully covered no matter the price. But Sanders and other lawmakers have focused on uninsured and underinsured patients who may find the vaccines are out of reach. READ MORE
By Kristin Jensen
Source: biopharmadive.com
Novartis will acquire Mariana’s lead candidate MC-339, a radioligand therapy (RLT) designed to target small-cell lung cancer. Last year, Mariana had raised $175m in a Series B round from several funds and pharma giant Eli Lilly.
The company’s aspiration to expand the use of its obesity products to cardiovascular indications has been successful. In March, its blockbuster drug Wegovy was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in obese or overweight adults.
Massachusetts-based Deciphera brings to the table an extensive kinase inhibitor pipeline, kinase drug discovery expertise, and a strong commercial and sales platform in the US and European markets that is meant to advance Ono’s capabilities and presence in the oncology space.
