Here are some recent updates from the pharmaceutical industry that you might find interesting. The U.S. government has proposed two new Medicare programs to lower drug prices. These programs, called ‘Globe’ and ‘Guard,’ aim to make drug companies offer rebates to cover the price difference between the U.S. and other comparable countries. If these programs go ahead, they will start in 2026 and could save around $27 billion over five years. Shionogi, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, has agreed to buy the global rights to Radicava, a popular drug for ALS, from Tanabe Pharma. Shionogi will pay $2.5 billion for this deal. AstraZeneca has shared disappointing news that their experimental cancer drug, ceralasertib, did not work as hoped in a recent trial for lung cancer. CRISPR Therapeutics has reported early positive results for their cell therapy, zugo-cel, in treating certain cancers and autoimmune conditions. Neurocrine Biosciences announced that their drug, valbenazine, did not meet its goals in a trial for a type of cerebral palsy. However, this drug is already approved for other conditions. Lastly, the FDA has expanded the use of Boehringer Ingelheim’s drug, Jascayd, to treat a lung condition called progressive pulmonary fibrosis. This is a significant step as there are few treatments available for this condition.