And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is modest, but has potential. We plan to hang with our short people, catch up on some reading, and spend time with a few family favorites. And what about you? Are you leaving for a summer getaway? Whether or not, this remains a lovely time to enjoy the great outdoors. Remember, beaches, lakes, and mountains are beckoning. You could visit someone special. Take a long drive in the country. Or if you feel mischievous, you can place a bet on when or if you-know-who recognizes the effect a trade war has on the economy. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon …
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma says the Trump administration is pushing forward with a controversial proposal to lower drug prices, despite opposition from some fellow Republicans, The Hill reports. Verma told reporters that the proposal to lower certain drug prices in Medicare by tying them to lower prices in other countries, known as the international price index, is a “top priority.” The pharmaceutical industry and many congressional Republicans warn that the move amounts to “price controls.”
The Food and Drug Administration approved a Roche (RHHBY) cancer drug called Rozlytrek for patients with any kind of tumor that tests positive for one kind of genetic alteration and for non-small cell lung cancer that tests positive for another, STAT reports. This is the third time the FDA has approved a cancer drug based on genetic makeup of a tumor. The list price for a month’s supply of Rozlytrek is just over $17,000, compared to almost $33,000 for Vitrakvi, a rival Bayer (BAYRY) drug, but this may not be a pricing war.
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