Pharma Pulse: New Research and Policy Moves Shape Pharma Landscape

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 in today’s headlines, new evidence clears the air around a long-debated medication, CMS launches a major effort to cut Medicaid drug costs, and Eli Lilly strengthens its gene therapy portfolio through key strategic collaborations.

• A sweeping new review has found no causal link between maternal acetaminophen—commonly known as Tylenol—use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder or ADHD in children. The analysis evaluated dozens of studies and found that earlier reports suggesting a connection may have been limited by confounding factors. Experts say the findings could reassure both clinicians and parents while underscoring the importance of evidence-based decision-making in maternal-fetal medicine.
• In other policy news, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has unveiled a new initiative aimed at cutting Medicaid drug costs while expanding access to affordable medications. The plan will use enhanced data transparency and stronger rebate negotiations to improve efficiency across state programs. CMS also intends to explore innovative payment models that reward outcomes rather than volume, marking another step toward value-based reform in public healthcare.
• Meanwhile, Eli Lilly continues to build momentum in the gene therapy space, as the company has announced new collaborations with MeiraGTx and SaneGeneBio to advance next-generation treatments targeting rare and complex genetic disorders. The partnerships are expected to enhance Lilly’s pipeline depth and manufacturing capabilities as competition in advanced therapy development intensifies.

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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