STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about the impact of HHS firings, a GSK vaccine approval, and more
Thousands of U.S. health agency employees were terminated and told it was for poor performance, though they'd received strong evaluations
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to another working week. We hope the weekend respite was somehow refreshing and invigorating. After all, that oh-so familiar routine of phone calls, online meetings, and lengthening to-do lists has returned with a vengeance, especially given the flurry of activity in the world at large. And so, we are also indulging in yet another part of our routine — the ritual cup of stimulation. Our choice today is orange creme. Please feel free to join us. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits to help you on your journey. We wish you the best of luck and, of course, do keep in touch. Tips, updates, and insights are especially welcome these days. …
Over the weekend, thousands of employees of U.S. government health agencies — including those who were still on probation at the Department of Health and Human Services and the agencies it oversees — were informed that they were being terminated for poor performance, even though many said they had previously received only strong performance evaluations, STAT writes. Though their employment was effectively ended immediately, they were told they would receive 30 days of administrative leave. And in interview after interview, those who were fired, along with officials who remain at these agencies, argued the cuts would be deeply felt, not only by the agencies but by ordinary Americans who rely on them. The dismissals, they said, are extracting workers from a vast range of programs designed to keep Americans safe and improve their health.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a GSK meningococcal vaccine for people aged 10 to 25, which will be one of its major product launches this year and rival a first-to-market shot from Pfizer, Pharmaphorum notes. The vaccine, branded as Penmenvy, combines components of two GSK approved vaccines, Bexsero and Menveo, to protect against the five most common strains of meningococcal bacteria. In 2023, there were 438 confirmed and probable cases of meningococcal disease reported in the U.S. and cases have increased sharply since 2021, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. GSK previously said its vaccine is one of its most important product launches this year, with the potential to make $1 billion to $2 billion in sales at its peak. The Pfizer shot, called Penbraya, was approved in 2023 but has not made a major impact in the market, with sales not yet reaching a level to warrant being broken out in Pfizer’s financial results.
