Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
Pharma companies collaborate on secure data sharing for AI
- Multiple pharmaceutical companies are adopting a federated learning approach to collaboratively develop enhanced artificial intelligence models for drug discovery without directly sharing sensitive data.
- According to Nature, this method enables organizations to pool resources securely, facilitating advancements in AI-driven drug development while maintaining data privacy.
Market uncertainty halts major pharma and biotech mergers
- Reuters reports that large pharmaceutical and biotech companies are postponing significant mergers and acquisitions due to unpredictable U.S. economic policies and a volatile market environment.
- Executives are diverting attention from deal-making to address sudden policy shifts, including trade tariffs and proposed drug pricing reforms, causing delays in negotiations.
Renewed push for tariffs on imported drugs
- To boost domestic manufacturing, possible tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals are being weighed.
- According to FiercePharma, industry leaders warn the move could lead to supply disruptions and increased drug prices in the U.S.
23andMe files for bankruptcy
- 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to declining demand for DNA tests and financial struggles, with CEO and co-founder Anne Wojcicki resigning but remaining on the board. Joseph Selsavage, the company’s chief financial and accounting officer, has been appointed interim CEO.
- Despite the bankruptcy, 23andMe assures customers that there will be no changes to how the company stores, manages or protects customer data during the court-supervised sale process, per MedTech Dive.
Senate approves new leadership for FDA and NIH
- The Senate confirmed Dr. Marty Makary to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to head the National Institutes of Health, marking a shift in federal health leadership.
- According to the American Hospital Association, both leaders have backgrounds in public health policy and have been vocal critics of prior pandemic-era strategies.
For more insights in life sciences, check out RSM’s industry outlook.
