Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Wegovy and Ozempic sales, rising pharma layoffs, and more

Rise and shine, everyone, another busy day is on the way. Sadly, gray skies are hovering over the Pharmalot campus again, but our spirits remain sunny, nonetheless. Why? We recall a bit of insight from the Morning Mayor, who taught us that “Every new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift.” To celebrate the notion, we are brewing still more cups of stimulation and inviting you to join us. Our choice today is pistachio creme. Remember, a prescription is not required. So no need to mess with rebates. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. Hope you have a meaningful and productive day and, of course, do stay in touch. …

Less than two months after GSK pledged to cap out-of-pocket costs for its inhalers at $35 a month, U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) is accusing the company of circumventing that vow through a preexisting licensing deal, The Liberal Washington Post says. That agreement discontinued a popular inhaler and replaced it with a more costly generic alternative not covered by most insurance companies. Hassan alleged GSK “appears to be exploiting a licensing agreement” with generic drugmaker Prasco Laboratories to “price-gouge families without access to affordable alternatives to Flovent,” a specialized inhaler that can be used by children.

The number of layoffs in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry increased considerably last month, and take the year-to-date total above what was seen at the same time in 2023, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement and executive coaching firm. A total 1,089 jobs were eliminated in April, greatly surpassing the 634 positions that were chopped in March and the 600 industry jobs that disappeared in April 2023. Overall, pharmaceutical and biotech companies have shed 4,416 jobs this year, edging past the 4,363 positions that had been eliminated at the same time a year ago. The pace is expected to continue.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…