Welcome back. Mark getting FDA approval for an injectable version of its blockbuster cancer therapy. Kitruda Angelica Peoples here with the story fresh off an interview with the CEO.Angelica. Hey Leslie. Well, MK thinks that this shot will be an attractive option for patients since it could be administered in about a minute in a doctor's office versus 30 minutes at a hospital or an infusion center.And the shot's also a way for Merc to manage the IV form of Kruda going off patent in 2028. And Merc hasn't spe ...

Vaccine Policy & Public Health - A federal panel's new rules for COVID shots could reduce vaccine availability [1] - The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ASIP) recommended that individuals under 65 consult a doctor before receiving the COVID vaccine, differing from previous recommendations for all Americans aged 6 months and older [2] - The panel also voted to restrict the use of the MMRV vaccine, advising against its use for children under four years old [2][3] - Childhood vaccination rates have been declining, leading to nearly 1,500 documented measles cases in the US this year, the highest level in over 25 years [10] Historical Context & Impact of Vaccines - In 1900, the US life expectancy was 473%, significantly lower than today's 784% due to infant and child mortality from preventable diseases [5][6] - Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in the early 1960s, the US saw 3 to 4 million measles cases annually, with 400 to 500 deaths [8] - Measles deaths declined by 90% in the decade after the introduction of measles vaccines, and measles was considered eliminated in the US in 2000 [9] - Vaccines are considered a top innovation for contributing to health, longevity, and overall human well-being [14] Skepticism vs Pseudoscience & Public Trust - The discussion around vaccines is not solely scientific, as panels are now populated with vaccine critics, some of whom have profited from that position [16] - It's important to distinguish legitimate skepticism, which is part of science, from pseudoscience, as public trust and polarization are key issues [17][19] - Herd immunity is crucial, and decreased vaccination rates can affect many people [21][22] - Vaccination is a public health issue and a shared responsibility for the safety and health of the community [22][23]

Epstein案件调查 - 行业关注对Jeffrey Epstein案件的最初调查存在严重缺陷，特别是前劳工部长Alex Acosta在2006年担任美国佛罗里达州南区检察官期间的处理方式[4][7] - 行业观察到Alex Acosta批准的非起诉协议备受争议，该协议使Jeffrey Epstein免受联邦起诉，可能使其免于终身监禁，最终仅以一项州卖淫罪认罪[4] - 行业分析认为，该协议允许Epstein继续性侵和强奸更多年轻女孩，直到2019年因联邦性交易指控被捕[8] - 行业注意到，众议院监督委员会的民主党人表示，Alex Acosta为自己不Prosecute Jeffrey Epstein的决定辩护，并且对自己的行为缺乏悔意[8] - 行业观察到，国会议员Raja Krishna Mory认为，Alex Acosta在Epstein案件中既有不当行为，也有能力不足，因为他没有真正查看受害者的陈述和检查大量证据[22] - 行业关注对Epstein案件的调查可能涉及情报部门的联系，并计划要求中央情报局和情报部门提供有关Epstein的文件[26] - 行业分析认为，需要获取Epstein的财务记录，以了解谁从儿童性交易团伙中受益，以及谁会通过掩盖此事而获利[30] - 行业注意到，参议员Ron Weiden表示，与此儿童性交易团伙相关的电汇交易活动超过10亿美元[30] 言论自由与媒体审查 - 行业关注特朗普政府对第一修正案的战争，包括对媒体的诉讼和威胁[42][45] - 行业注意到，联邦通信委员会（FCC）专员Brendan Carr建议暂停Jimmy Kimmel的节目，随后该节目被无限期停播[46] - 行业分析认为，特朗普政府利用深夜喜剧演员的不合时宜的笑话作为惩罚其不喜欢言论的借口[46] - 行业观察到，NextStar等电视台所有者面临来自特朗普的压力，可能导致其合并受阻[52] 疫苗政策与公共卫生 - 行业关注美国民众对国家卫生机构的信任度下降，特别是对疾病控制与预防中心（CDC）、食品药品监督管理局（FDA）和国家卫生研究院（NIH）的信任度下降[52] - 行业注意到，Robert F Kennedy Jr担任卫生与公众服务部部长后，公众对其提供可靠公共卫生信息的信心较低，仅为39%[52] - 行业关注对儿童疫苗接种计划的潜在修改，包括推迟接种麻疹、腮腺炎、风疹和水痘联合疫苗，以及推迟对婴儿接种乙型肝炎疫苗[53] - 行业专家认为，改变乙型肝炎疫苗的建议并非基于客观全面的数据审查[53] 纽约市长选举 - 行业关注进步派纽约市长候选人Zoran Mandani在初选中意外获胜，为温和派建制派民主党人创造了支持或不支持的选择[54] - 行业注意到，纽约州州长Kathy Hokll正式支持Zoran Mandani，认为他有勇气、紧迫感和乐观精神来领导纽约市应对挑战[54] - 行业观察到，纽约州民主党主席Jay Jacobs明确表示不会支持Zoran Mandani，理由是对以色列和民主社会主义存在根本分歧[54] - 行业分析认为，Zoran Mandani能够赢得不同选民的支持，并有可能与各方合作[55]

Regulatory Changes & Recommendations - The CDC's ACIP committee now recommends individuals consult their doctor to decide on COVID shots, shifting from previous broader recommendations [1] - There are concerns about potential increased restrictions on vaccines in the United States [2][5] - The ACIP committee decided that children under four should receive separate shots for varicella (chickenpox) and MMR instead of the combined MMRV vaccine [3] Committee Composition & Approach - The ACIP committee has a new composition and approach, potentially influenced by Robert F Kennedy Jr [2][7] - Skepticism surrounding the committee's approach to scientific decisions has been validated [9] - The committee is placing increased emphasis on vaccine risks, a departure from previous practices [9] - There are concerns about the experience level of the new ACIP members compared to previous groups [8] Specific Vaccines Under Review - The committee reviewed a combined shot for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV), as well as hepatitis B for newborns, and COVID-19 vaccines [2] - The review of well-established vaccines like MMRV and hepatitis B, without significant new safety data, is considered unusual [6]

Core Insights - Pfizer (PFE) and AstraZeneca (AZN) are leading players in the oncology sector, with significant revenue contributions from this area [1][2] - Pfizer's oncology sales account for over 25% of total revenues, growing by 9% in H1 2025, while AstraZeneca's oncology sales represent around 43% of total revenues, increasing by 16% in the same period [1][2][11] - Both companies have robust R&D pipelines that are expected to drive future growth [3] Pfizer Overview - Pfizer's acquisition of Seagen in 2023 has bolstered its oncology position [4] - Non-COVID operational revenues are improving, with key products generating $4.7 billion in H1 2025, a 15% operational increase year-over-year [5] - Pfizer anticipates $7.7 billion in cost savings by the end of 2027 and projects a revenue CAGR of approximately 6% from 2025 to 2030 [6] - Challenges include potential declines in COVID-related sales and significant patent expirations expected between 2026 and 2030, impacting key products [7][8] AstraZeneca Overview - AstraZeneca's portfolio includes several blockbuster drugs, with sales exceeding $1 billion, contributing to strong revenue growth [9] - The company plans to launch 20 new medicines by 2030, targeting $80 billion in total revenues [12] - AstraZeneca's newer drugs are contributing positively to top-line growth in 2025 [10] - Challenges include the impact of Medicare Part D redesign on key drug sales and competition from generics and biosimilars [13][14] Financial Estimates and Performance - Pfizer's 2025 sales and EPS estimates indicate modest growth of 0.3% and 1.0%, respectively, with EPS estimates rising from $3.05 to $3.14 [15] - AstraZeneca's 2025 sales and EPS estimates suggest stronger growth of 8.4% and 11.4%, with EPS estimates increasing from $4.50 to $4.58 [16] - Year-to-date stock performance shows Pfizer declining by 9.0%, while AstraZeneca has increased by 17.6% [18] Valuation and Dividend Yield - AstraZeneca's shares trade at a forward P/E ratio of 15.44, while Pfizer's are at 7.79, indicating a more attractive valuation for Pfizer [19] - Pfizer offers a higher dividend yield of 7.1% compared to AstraZeneca's 2.4% [22] - AstraZeneca has a higher return on equity at 32.8% versus Pfizer's 21.4% [22] Investment Outlook - Both companies are rated with a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), making it challenging to determine a clear investment preference [23] - AstraZeneca is viewed as a safer investment due to its efficient profitability and clearer growth targets, despite Pfizer's attractive valuation and dividend yield [25]

Vaccines Are A Hard Business. RFK Jr.’s CDC Is Making It Even Harder https://t.co/79yKBSH5HY ...

Vaccines Are A Hard Business. RFK Jr.’s CDC Is Making It Even Harder https://t.co/XeQn2ZOcVi ...

Vaccine Hesitancy & Public Health Concerns - Vaccine skepticism stems from confusion and distrust in recommendations, leading to indecision [2][4] - Misinformation and disinformation are key drivers of vaccine rejection among US parents [5] - One in six (16.67%) US parents are rejecting vaccine recommendations due to concerns about side effects and risks [5] - Last year, 271 children died of influenza, with over 90% of them unvaccinated [3] The Role of Scientists & Public Servants - Scientists and public servants have a responsibility to speak out when actions are not in the public's best interest [7][9] - The willingness of scientists to speak out, even leaving the CDC and facing criticism, is crucial for public health [8][9] Impact of Distrust - Efforts to destabilize trust in vaccines and experts, including pediatricians, contribute to indecision and inaction [4]

Vaccine Safety and Efficacy - COVID-19 vaccines were crucial in saving millions of lives in the US, including pediatric cases, offering parents a choice regarding vaccination [3] - The MMR vaccine has been safe and efficacious for decades, while the hepatitis B vaccine has led to a 99% decrease in the disease at the population level since its implementation [5] Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation - Growing distrust in vaccines among the American public is fueled by misinformation [6] - One in six (approximately 16.67%) American parents have delayed or skipped vaccine doses [9] - Concerns exist that a committee might share scientifically unsound information, potentially worsening vaccine hesitancy [6][9] Vaccine Policy and Access - States are forming consortia for vaccine policy, indicating a split in approaches [7] - American Health Insurance Plans will continue to support vaccines endorsed by the Advisory Committee before September 2025, basing coverage decisions on evidence [8] - The public questions the necessity of vaccine mandates due to pervasive myths and disinformation [8]

Safety Concerns - Approximately 36% (180 out of 500) rounds fired hit the CDC building, indicating a targeted attack [1][2] - Staff members experienced trauma, including protecting children during the incident [2] - Some personnel are now hesitant to publicly associate with vaccine advocacy due to safety concerns [3] - Subject matter experts no longer present at ACIP meetings to protect them from being targeted [4] Impact on Scientific Communication - Misinformation is undermining the safety and health of children [1] - Personnel are removing their names from papers and avoiding public presentations due to fear of violence [3] - Some personnel are unwilling to publicly support good science that protects families and children [3]