STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Novartis investor seeking a shake-up, a Gilead setback, and more

Rise and shine, everyone, another busy day is on the way. And it is getting off to a pleasant start here on the Pharmalot campus, where clear blue skies and comfy breezes are greeting us. As for the official mascots, they are happily snoozing in their respective corners. As for us, we are firing up the coffee kettle for another cup of stimulation. Our choice today is tiramisu. Of course, you are invited to join us. For the full experience, we are now hawking replicas — take a look. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. As always, do keep in touch. We appreciate feedback, criticism, and tips. … A major Novartis shareholder has called for a shake-up of the drugmaker’s board to improve corporate governance after its shares suffered a record fall this week ​following back-to-back trial setbacks, Reuters tells us. David Samra, managing director at Artisan Partners and founding partner of International Value ‌Group, said successive chairmen had failed Novartis on acquisitions and that the company needed to change how it oversees deals. In recent days, Novartis disclosed a muscle-wasting disorder drug acquired through its $12 billion takeover ​of Avidity failed a late-stage study, and results from heart drug pelacarsen disappointed investors. U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz says the Trump administration is pursuing additional drug-pricing deals with pharmaceutical companies, Bloomberg News reports. Officials have so far announced more than two dozen voluntary agreements with pharmaceutical companies. Each of the agreements is bespoke, but companies generally have agreed to lower the prices they charge public programs for medicines and to launch new drugs at prices similar to those paid by other developed nations in exchange for relief from tariffs. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe