Bristol Myers Squibb is reshaping its development leadership by naming current Chief Medical Officer Cristian Massacesi as head of research and development, while research chief Robert Plenge prepares to depart in March. Meanwhile, federal policy faces upheaval after the Food and Drug Administration shelved its Commissioner's National Priority Voucher program. The agency's future direction depends heavily on next Wednesday's Senate health committee vote on nominee Heidi Overton, whose confirmation hangs in the balance due to Republican hesitancy.
Key points
Senate Health Committee Chair Bill Cassidy remains undecided on Heidi Overton’s nominatio…: Senate Health Committee Chair Bill Cassidy remains undecided on Heidi Overton’s nomination to lead the FDA, citing her past involvement in Trump-era vaccine policies.
A single Republican defection could derail Heidi Overton's confirmation if all Democratic…: A single Republican defection could derail Heidi Overton's confirmation if all Democratic committee members vote in opposition next Wednesday.
Blackstone is providing financial backing for Pfizer's pursuit of a monthly obesity thera…: Blackstone is providing financial backing for Pfizer's pursuit of a monthly obesity therapeutic.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
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The song “Donnie Darko” by Let’s Eat Grandma was on repeat during the making of this Readout.
The need-to-know this morning
Bristol Myers Squibb has made changes to its R&D structure. Current Chief Medical Officer Cristian Massacesi has been given the additional title of head of R&D. Robert Plenge, Bristol’s chief of research, will depart the company in March.
- The FDA has shelved the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program, according to Reuters.
Heidi Overton’s FDA nomination faces a tight vote
The Senate health committee will vote next Wednesday on Heidi Overton’s nomination to lead the FDA, and Republicans still aren’t all on board. Committee Chair Bill Cassidy of Louisiana says he’s undecided and has called Overton’s role in shaping the Trump administration’s vaccine policies “almost disqualifying,” STAT’s Margaret Manto writes. A single Republican defection could sink the nomination if every Democrat votes against her.
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