Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
California launches state-branded insulin to tackle drug costs
- California has become the first U.S. state to sell its own insulin, aiming to reduce costs and improve access for residents. The initiative is part of a broader effort to challenge high drug prices and increase transparency in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Per Politico, the state-branded insulin will be available at a significantly lower price than commercial alternatives, with plans to expand into other essential medications if the program proves successful.
Orthopedics spin-off aims to accelerate growth through focused strategy
- Johnson & Johnson is spinning off its orthopedics division to streamline operations and pursue faster growth. The move reflects a broader industry trend of separating specialized units to enhance agility and innovation.
- According to Fierce Biotech, the new entity will concentrate on surgical technologies and joint reconstruction, with leadership emphasizing a leaner structure to better compete in the medtech space.
UK offers carrot as pharma firms pull back
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the UK is committed to being an attractive home for pharmaceutical firms on pricing and regulatory grounds, but expects increased UK investment in return, writes Reuters.
- Her remarks come as major pharmaceutical companies have ceased or paused UK investment citing an unfavorable business climate.
Biopharma job hunts take time—average search lasts four months
- Breaking into the biopharma industry is often a lengthy process, with job seekers typically spending around four months from application to offer, according to BioSpace.
- The article highlights that roles in regulatory affairs and clinical development tend to take even longer, reflecting the competitive and highly specialized nature of the field.
Former FDA leaders launch consultancy agency
- A new consultancy agency of former U.S. Food and Drug Administration leaders will be focused on regulatory strategy, quality and compliance in biopharma. Despite being in a one-year “cooling off” period, they are already advising companies on navigating FDA policies and review processes.
- The FDA is undergoing major shifts, including new rare disease approval pathways, a push for faster drug reviews, and a move toward unannounced foreign inspections to ensure parity with domestic oversight, all of which biopharma companies will need assistance in navigating, reports Endpoints News.
For more insights in life sciences, check out RSM’s industry outlook.
