STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a ‘miracle’ HIV drug program, Lilly going after compounders, and more
The Trump administration’s cuts to a global AIDS relief program threaten to upend rollout of a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug
Rise and shine, everyone, another busy day is on the way. We can tell by the parade of motor vehicles passing by the Pharmalot campus and the continuous rumble of commuter trains off in the distance. As for us, we are engaged in the usual ritual of brewing cups of stimulation. Our choice today is banana split, the latest addition to the Pharmalot pantry. As always, you are invited to join us. The neurons could use all the help they can get, would you not agree? Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest for you to digest as you embark on your own journey today, which we hope is meaningful and satisfying. On that note, time to hustle. Best of luck, and do keep in touch. …
The Trump administration’s enormous cuts to a global AIDS relief program threaten to upend the planned rollout of a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug that was expected to save countless lives, STAT explains. The medicine, lenacapavir, made by Gilead Sciences, has caused a stir because clinical trial data showed a single set of injections every six months could provide virtually complete protection against infection, a form of prevention known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or (PrEP). The drug, which is under regulatory review, has raised hopes that the deadly infectious disease can be mitigated around the globe. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, has been poised to play the leading role in making lenacapavir available, given its experience distributing HIV prevention drugs around most of the world.
Eli Lilly is targeting additional drug compounders and telehealth companies that make copycat versions of its weight loss drug, with plans to file two lawsuits and send about 50 cease-and-desist letters, Bloomberg News writes. The company is demanding that the compounders and telehealth companies stop mass producing its blockbuster drug tirzepatide — a diabetes and obesity treatment branded as Mounjaro and Zepbound. Weight loss drugs dominate the compounding industry, filling market demand after brand manufacturers declared they were in shortage. Compounded tirzepatide can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, while Lilly’s list price for its injections typically costs around $1,000 a month. The lawsuits claim that two compounding pharmacies offer custom-made, personalized tirzepatide products that haven’t been approved for safety and effectiveness. The compounding pharmacies say their products are customized for individual consumers and are better suited for patients.
