Pharma Pulse: Agile Drug Manufacturing Advances, Merck–Skyhawk RNA Deal, and Telehealth Expands Pharmacists’ Role

Welcome to Pharma Pulse, a Pharmaceutical Commerce podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and today we’re covering advances in agile drug manufacturing, a multi-billion-dollar RNA therapy collaboration, and how pharmacists are using telehealth to improve diabetes care in emergencies.

• Battelle and Aprecia have partnered with HHS and DARPA to push agile drug manufacturing technologies forward. The initiative prioritizes on-demand production of essential medicines, using 3D printing and advanced systems to quickly scale supply during crises. This model could help reduce shortages, strengthen national security, and provide a more resilient pharmaceutical supply chain.
• In biotech deal news, Skyhawk Therapeutics and Merck KGaA have struck a multi-billion-dollar partnership to develop RNA-targeting small molecules for neurological diseases. The agreement provides Skyhawk with upfront payments and milestones, while Merck gains access to Skyhawk’s splicing platform. With neurology remaining a high-need therapeutic area, this collaboration reflects growing investment in RNA-based approaches beyond oncology.
• Finally, new research shows that pharmacist-led telehealth programs could play a critical role in supporting patients with diabetes, particularly during public health emergencies. By providing medication management, education, and regular monitoring remotely, pharmacists can help reduce gaps in care when in-person visits aren’t possible. Experts say integrating pharmacists more fully into telehealth models could improve outcomes and reduce strain on healthcare systems.

From agile manufacturing and RNA innovation to new models of pharmacy-led care, these stories highlight how technology, partnerships, and expanded provider roles are reshaping pharma and healthcare delivery.

That’s it for this episode of Pharma Pulse. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access and care delivery, visit pharmaceuticalcommerce.com.

Thanks for listening—until next time, stay well and stay informed.

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