Good morning, everyone, and welcome to another working week. We hope the weekend respite was invigorating and refreshing, because that oh-so familiar routine of online meetings, phone calls, and deadlines has returned. But you knew this would happen, yes? After all, the world, such as it is, continues to spin. So time to give it a nudge in a better direction with a cup or three of stimulation. Our choice today is a summer favorite — blueberry cobbler. Please feel free to join us. Meanwhile, we have assembled a few items of interest to help you get started. We hope you have a smashing day and achieve your wildest dreams. And of course, please do keep in touch. …
Sarepta Therapeutics demanded a prominent patient advocacy organization censor a video containing pointed criticism of its recently approved gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, STAT reports. The incident raises questions about financial ties between Sarepta and the group, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, and whether the company uses its money to influence, or even muzzle, debate over its Duchenne medicines. It also bolstered concerns voiced by some parents of young adults with Duchenne that Sarepta is more focused on profiting from its gene therapy than providing them with information needed to prove efficacy and safety, despite blessings from regulators.
Roche plans to fast-track its anti-obesity drugs to challenge rivals Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk in the booming market after unveiling promising data for a weight loss pill, The Financial Times reports. Thomas Schinecker, chief executive of the pharmaceutical company, said its first obesity drugs would come to market “significantly faster than people are expecting,” potentially by 2028. The treatments, acquired in a $3.1 billion takeover of biotech Carmot last year, includes a weight loss jab set to enter Phase 2 trials and a pill that has given users a 6.1% reduction in weight compared with a placebo after four weeks.
