Good morning, everyone, and how are you today? We are doing just fine, thank you. Given that this is already the middle of the week and we have survived this far, there is no reason not to continue, yes? Just consider the alternatives. In fact, this modest accomplishment calls for celebration. So please join us in quaffing a ritual cup of needed stimulation. Our choice today is strawberry creme, a tasty treat that has a striking aroma. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest to help you along. Once again, we hope you have a successful day and, of course, keep in touch. We enjoy hearing your tips, feedback, and tidbits. …
Republicans in Congress may try to use a technical maneuver to block the Biden administration from using march-in rights to seize pharmaceutical patents and lower drug prices, STAT says. In December, the White House issued a draft framework that would let the government issue licenses to generic drug makers to make medicines before brand-name drug patents expire. But the administration did not issue a formal regulation, which Congress can block. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office to designate the draft framework as a formal regulation. If the proposal is designated as a rule, it could be challenged under the Congressional Review Act.
The World Health Organization said that resistance to GSK’s HIV drug dolutegravir has exceeded levels observed during its clinical trials, citing observational and survey data received from a few countries, Reuters writes. Resistance ranged from 3.9% to 8.6% and reached 19.6% among people who have received and transitioned to an antiretroviral therapy regimen containing dolutegravir for combating high HIV viral loads. The global health agency did not disclose the number of countries from where the data was reported, but said only a few countries have reported survey data to WHO, to date.