Pharma Pulse: Trump Appeals Tariff Ruling, Sanofi Shares Slide on Trial Miss, and COVID-19 Alters Pneumococcal Mortality

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 the latest legal battle over pharmaceutical tariffs, Sanofi’s market setback following Phase III results, and new research on how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped pneumococcal mortality.

• President Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to intervene and preserve pharmaceutical tariffs that an appeals court recently struck down. The tariffs were part of broader trade policies aimed at reshoring drug manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports. If upheld, they could have far-reaching implications for supply chains, drug pricing, and the global competitiveness of US pharma. The case is being closely watched as industry leaders weigh potential disruption against incentives for domestic production.
• In other news, Sanofi’s stock fell 10% after its experimental immunology drug Amlitelimab failed to meet primary endpoints in a Phase III trial. The therapy had been viewed as a potential blockbuster in treating inflammatory conditions, but the disappointing results cast uncertainty on its future. Analysts say the setback raises questions about Sanofi’s late-stage pipeline strength, though the company maintains it will continue evaluating Amlitelimab in other indications.
• Lastly, a new study highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered pneumococcal mortality patterns. Researchers found that during the height of the pandemic, deaths tied to pneumococcal disease declined, likely due to widespread masking, social distancing, and reduced transmission of respiratory infections. However, mortality rates have since begun to rebound, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in pneumococcal vaccination and surveillance.

From legal battles over tariffs to trial disappointments and shifting mortality trends, these stories show how policy, science, and public health continue to reshape the pharmaceutical landscape.

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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