What price cure?
We are currently just at the beginning of the cell and gene therapy revolution, one which promises to cure previously untreatable diseases – and all with a single treatment. This groundbreaking science needs to be accompanied by equally fresh thinking about how to finance this innovation, and how to make it sustainable for the industry and healthcare systems. I speak to one of the leaders in the field, Bluebird Bio’s Andrew Obenshain, on p16.
The end of US pricing exceptionalism
Also a harbinger of pharma’s future is the debate currently raging in the US about drug prices. Recent Senate inquiries into pharma pricing policies and rising insulin costs show an unprecedented bipartisan push for change. Brian Smith looks at the implications of ‘the end of US pricing exceptionalism’ on p38.
Biopharma needs to go carbon neutral – and fast
Whatever you think about the tactics of climate change activists Extinction Rebellion, their recent protests in central London highlighted the need for urgent action.
Biopharma companies have a responsibility to set their own targets to move away from reliance on fossil fuels, and towards renewable energy. Novo Nordisk is leading the way, pledging to switch all of its manufacturing to 100% renewables by next year, and then all of its operations by 2030. Novo should be applauded for its leadership, along with all the other companies who have signed the RE100 pledge to go 100% renewable.
However timelines are vitally important, and commitment across the sector to match Novo’s pledge would be a huge step forward. Like the fight against disease, the battle against climate change is being led by cutting-edge science and technology, and these new approaches need to be adopted as fast as possible for the sake of the planet.
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