FDA’s approval process for new COVID-19 vaccines will soon get tougher: But the impact to leading vaccine makers like Pfizer and Moderna might be minimal. Here’s why.

Gen Z, millennials are least likely to take health concerns to their PCP: Healthcare marketers need to show them where to get low-cost care while warning against overtrusting online medical information.

Pharma companies are facing drug pricing and tax revenue pressure from Trump and Congress: As Trump rolls out new drug pricing executive orders, companion bills in Congress are amplifying pressure on the industry, driving companies closer to decide whether to negotiate or push back in court.

Drug developers relocate clinical trials amid Trump’s NIH research and funding cuts: The final damage to research pipelines is still to be determined, but biotech and pharma companies are already reacting, and more may consider doing so given the uncertainty.

Novo Nordisk’s CEO steps down: Investor panic and a slumping stock may have been driving factors. Despite falling behind Eli Lilly in the weight loss drug market, recent moves around oral GLP-1 development put Novo in a strong position.

UnitedHealth Group faces reported criminal investigation over Medicare billing fraud: The DOJ may have gathered enough evidence against UnitedHealth, such as allegedly giving doctors kickbacks. Other top players in the Medicare Advantage market should be worried.

At-home injectable drugs have been getting more approvals: Amneal Pharmaceuticals is the latest to gain approval for its migraine treatment. Pharma companies can help spur uptake for at-home injectables like it with more education and support.

The FDA pushes aggressive timeline to implement AI-assisted drug reviews: The FDA plans to speed up drug reviews with AI by the end of June, but pharma companies already concerned about the impact of layoffs and recent drug approval delays shouldn’t see it as a silver bullet.

Pharma waits idly following Trump’s drug pricing executive order: Trump hopes pharma will lower US drug prices to align with what other countries pay. But the impact of the order could come down to how much authority the administration has without congressional approval.

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty steps down: New leadership will aim to straighten out the company’s Medicare Advantage business to appease Wall Street. But we’re also keeping an eye on what they’ll do to improve UHG’s sinking reputation.

Consumers have unfavorable views of drugmakers and health insurers: But these companies are simultaneously getting higher brand equity. Their growth is predicated on revenue-driving actions that consumers believe lead to high healthcare prices.

Hims & Hers pushes for partnership with Eli Lilly to sell discounted Zepbound: Hims recently inked a similar deal with Novo, and we think the market opportunity is too big for Lilly to pass up.

Online mental health visits are driving telehealth use: Pharma companies and healthcare providers should consider partnering with psychotherapy providers to offer mental health patients more options than meds alone.

Gilead joins pharma companies that are boosting US manufacturing amid Trump-induced challenges: Gilead Sciences faces unique challenges as a leading HIV drugmaker—Trump’s tariff threats coincide with cuts to global HIV programs and LGBTQ+ healthcare initiatives.

Rite Aid files for bankruptcy for the second time in less than two years: The convenience store + pharmacy model is broken. Success in this space for standalone pharmacies will hinge on providing a first-rate experience for customers buying medications while reformatting stores to prioritize health and wellness products instead of household items and snacks.

Spending on prescription drugs in the US grew 11.4% last year: IQVIA projects spending to keep increasing through 2029. Lowering Rx costs is emerging as a key priority for the Trump admin—much to the dismay of pharma.

Americans aren’t confident that federal health agencies ensure safe and effective drugs: Pharma marketers need to lean on individual physicians and local health agencies to help consumers understand the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs and vaccines.

Function Health acquires Ezra, drops price of full-body MRI scan: Whole-body MRI screenings are out of most people’s price range. Marketers and influencers fueling the preventative wellness trend should also remind consumers of lower-cost, more accessible services.

Trump asks regulators to make it easier to build US drug manufacturing sites: Drugmakers should wait for the precise tariff rate on the sector—set to come within two weeks—before investing in more domestic infrastructure.

Direct-to-patient models could pay off for pharma: But if pharma companies bypass middlemen such as insurers and PBMs, they’ll need to pay attention to where patients see the biggest needs for improvement to their healthcare experience— and not just try to fill as many new prescriptions as possible.