The hottest Pharmaceuticals Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Sleep, Diet, Exercise and GLP-1 Drugs

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1702 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Exercise Pharmaceuticals Mental health
  1. GLP-1 drugs can be very effective for weight loss, and many people are seeing good results from them. They have contributed to a noticeable drop in obesity rates among those who use them, especially college graduates.
  2. Willpower plays an important role in personal fitness and dieting. While using willpower can be tough, it also has positive effects on self-discipline and can lead to healthier habits over time.
  3. It's vital to find joy in exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Enjoyable activities make it easier to stick to fitness routines and achieve overall well-being.

With Kennedy on Board, This is What a Trump Win Will Mean for Democrats

Popular Rationalism • 1367 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Health Political parties Pharmaceuticals Vaccine Safety
  1. A Trump win could force the Democratic Party to rethink its ties with the pharmaceutical industry. This may lead to more transparency and accountability in health policies.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seen as a potential leader who could push for a health agenda focused on questioning the status quo and prioritizing public health over profit.
  3. The public is becoming more aware of vaccine safety issues, and this awareness may change how health policies are formed and implemented in the future.

Bi Jingquan on China’s pharmaceutical evolution and int'l cooperation

Pekingnology • 30 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals International cooperation Public Health Innovation
  1. China has made big improvements in its pharmaceutical industry by working with international partners. This helps them develop better drugs and get them to the market faster.
  2. Despite progress, China still faces challenges in drug innovation and access. Most new drugs are imitations, and prices are often too low, which can discourage companies from investing in new developments.
  3. To create a better future in healthcare, it's important for different countries to cooperate. This teamwork can help tackle global drug shortages and ensure people can get the medicines they need.

Ensitrelvir (Xocova®): Japanese Company Shionogi & Co., Ltd. Sets a Model for Success in Translational Research for the Coming Future of Ethical Science

Popular Rationalism • 455 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Drug Development Clinical Trials Public Health
  1. Ensitrelvir, also known as Xocova, is a new antiviral pill that is 30 times more effective than a placebo. It was developed by a Japanese company called Shionogi & Co., which worked closely with researchers.
  2. This medication targets a key enzyme the virus needs to replicate, making it effective against COVID-19 symptoms, especially those caused by Omicron variants. It has shown a strong safety profile and fewer side effects compared to some other treatments.
  3. Xocova is easier to take than some alternatives because it requires only a once-daily dose and has fewer interactions with other medications. This makes it a more convenient option for many patients.

Regulators almost killed biotech before it began

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Regulation Innovation Pharmaceuticals History
  1. Genentech is seen as the start of the biotech field because it combined new technology with business and research. This company pioneered how biotech operates today.
  2. Regulations nearly stopped Genentech from forming, creating fears about safety and ethics in biotechnology. However, Genentech managed to navigate around these regulations and succeed.
  3. Unlike big companies, Genentech used private funding and worked in less regulated spaces. This allowed them to develop human insulin without the heavy regulatory burden faced by larger firms.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Anaphylaxis, allergens, immunogenicity, vaccines.

Bailiwick News • 3269 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Pharmaceuticals Regulations Allergies
  1. Vaccines and many biological products can cause allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. This means they can intentionally harm people while claiming to protect them.
  2. There are laws that make it hard to hold companies accountable for the negative effects of vaccines. These laws allow harmful practices to continue under the guise of vaccination programs.
  3. Congress is more focused on how effective these vaccines are at causing harm, rather than their safety. This reflects a deeper concern about managing public health costs rather than protecting individuals.

Reading List 12/28/24

Construction Physics • 11065 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals Engineering Infrastructure Aerospace
  1. China is planning to build the world's largest hydroelectric dam, which could produce a huge amount of electricity and help meet its environmental goals.
  2. Chinese manufacturing is becoming very competitive not just in cars, but also in pharmaceuticals, with Chinese companies now creating many new drugs.
  3. In manufacturing, new startups often struggle financially at first, facing a tough phase called the 'valley of death' before they start making profits.

Centessa Pharmaceuticals: Asset-Centric Business Model

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups Investing Pharmaceuticals Innovation Entrepreneurship
  1. Centessa Pharmaceuticals focuses on an asset-centric business model. This means they prioritize specific products and inventions for growth.
  2. Investing early in life sciences companies is key to their strategy. They like to support innovative ideas that are just starting out.
  3. Axial seeks to partner with passionate inventors. They are dedicated to helping those who want to create something lasting and impactful.

💊💉 The future of weight loss drugs: A Quick Q&A with … analyst (and superforecaster) Greg Justice

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Healthcare access Regulations Affordability
  1. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are changing how obesity is treated. They might also help with other health issues, making them seem like wonder drugs.
  2. While these drugs are becoming more popular, there are challenges in getting them to the people who need them, mainly about their costs and healthcare regulations.
  3. It looks like prices for GLP-1s may drop slightly due to competition, but significant price control changes are not expected anytime soon.

Technology indistinguishable from magic

Wrong Side of History • 470 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals Gene Therapy Chronic Illness Public Health
  1. Medical technology has advanced a lot recently. Many serious diseases, like diabetes and HIV, are now much easier to treat than before.
  2. New treatments for conditions such as schizophrenia and allergies are being developed, showing promise for better ways to help people who suffer from these issues.
  3. Innovations like gene therapy and cancer vaccines are changing how we approach some of the most challenging health problems, potentially offering cures or significantly improved treatments.

The Trump Administration Must Bring Moderna to Heel

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 29 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Pharmaceuticals Government Accountability Vaccine Policy Political Reform
  1. Moderna failed to report serious side effects, including a child's death during vaccine trials. This raises concerns about their compliance with federal laws.
  2. The new Trump administration has a chance to investigate these issues and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions.
  3. Past leadership at the FDA supported Big Pharma, but now there are new appointments that may promote a more honest discussion about vaccine safety.

come offit

bad cattitude • 264 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Government Policy Pharmaceuticals Health Safety
  1. There's concern about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines that are quickly pushed through without proper testing. People worry that these vaccines could lead to more harm than good.
  2. Current vaccine liability laws protect companies from being sued if their products cause harm. This might lower their incentive to ensure the vaccines are safe and effective.
  3. Many believe that if vaccine manufacturers were held accountable for their products, they would take more care in their development and testing. This would help restore public trust in vaccines.

💊💉 Will the anti-obesity wonder drugs work wonders for the US economy?

Faster, Please! • 1553 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Economic Impact Pharmaceuticals Obesity Chronic diseases
  1. GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy could change the way we treat obesity and have a huge positive impact on health. They work by helping individuals lose weight and may also lower the risk of serious diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's.
  2. These medications could boost the US economy significantly. Estimates suggest that by improving health and productivity, they might help increase the GDP by about 0.5 to 1 percent in rich countries.
  3. The overall benefits of health innovations, including GLP-1 drugs, aren't fully captured in traditional economic measures. They can lead to a better quality of life and longer life expectancy, which is valuable beyond just the numbers.

Are drugs good? Are side effects bad? It depends on what you're trying to do.

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 895 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Drug policy Mental health Medical Ethics Psychedelics Pharmaceuticals
  1. The good or bad nature of drugs really depends on what you're trying to achieve with them. It's important to consider the purpose behind using any drug.
  2. Different drugs can have different effects. For example, psychedelics can be helpful for depression but dangerous for someone who is unstable. It's all about context.
  3. Drugs should be viewed as tools that work in specific ways. We need to determine if those effects match what we want for our health or goals.

Did FDA know a child had died in Moderna's Covid jab clinical trial? If so, what did the agency do about it?

Unreported Truths • 49 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Regulatory Affairs Pharmaceuticals Vaccination policy Clinical Trials
  1. A child died during Moderna's Covid vaccine trial, and there's confusion about whether the FDA was informed about this death.
  2. The FDA's responses seem deliberately vague, avoiding a clear acknowledgment of the child's death.
  3. Senator Ron Johnson plans to investigate further, which could lead to more transparency from the FDA.

Latest "Bird Flu" Psyop

Who is Robert Malone • 38 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Pharmaceuticals Infectious Diseases Government Policy
  1. The 'bird flu' situation is being used as a psychological operation to manipulate public perception. The reality is that current cases have no risk of spreading between humans and the death rate is much lower than reported.
  2. Vaccination schedules for diseases like tetanus might be overhyped. Research suggests that the immunity from these vaccines lasts much longer than what's currently recommended, meaning fewer shots could be needed.
  3. Public health strategies are becoming overly reliant on vaccination, ignoring other effective treatments. It may be worth considering older treatments and ways to handle infectious diseases without constant vaccination.

Drug regulators - the revolving door keeps revolving

Maryanne Demasi, reports • 2692 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals mRNA technology
  1. A former TGA boss has been appointed to the board of Medicines Australia to advance mRNA technology in Australia.
  2. John Skerritt, previously with TGA, reflects on his achievements in speeding up drug approvals during his time there.
  3. Concerns are raised about the 'revolving door' practice where agency officials end up working for industries they once regulated.

Johnson & Johnson to acquire $2 billion drug developer "Ambrx Biopharma" to treat Turbo Cancers with same tech as Pfizer's $43 billion Seagen acquisition. Both set their sights on 2025 Cancer TSUNAMI

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 2731 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Cancer Pharmaceuticals
  1. Johnson & Johnson is acquiring a $2 billion drug developer to focus on treating aggressive cancers.
  2. This acquisition uses technology similar to Pfizer's $43 billion purchase of Seagen.
  3. Both companies are aiming to address the anticipated increase in cancer cases by 2025.

A simple suggestion for RFK Jr to end corruption in medicine

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 189 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Pharmaceuticals Public Health Government Policy Healthcare Reform
  1. RFK Jr. wants to fight corruption in medicine, especially the money doctors take from pharmaceutical companies. It's important to have honest practices to benefit patients.
  2. A proposed change is to limit the number of doctors in advisory groups who have received money from drug companies. This could start at no more than 60% in 2025 and end with 0% by 2028.
  3. By having fewer conflicts of interest, doctors might focus more on what's best for patients rather than just following drug company interests. This could lead to better healthcare decisions.

Current Pfizer Board Member and Former Trump Appointed FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb

Injecting Freedom • 116 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Pharmaceuticals Health Policy Medical Ethics
  1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb made claims about vaccines that were proven to be false. It's important to double-check facts, especially when discussing health topics.
  2. Gottlieb's connection to Pfizer raises questions about conflicts of interest when he criticizes others in the vaccine debate. It shows that personal interests can affect public statements.
  3. There is a call for more open discussions about vaccines and health issues. Honest debates can help clarify misunderstandings and improve public knowledge.

Hub-and-Spoke Biotechs: Nimbus Therapeutics

The Century of Biology • 354 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Biotech Pharmaceuticals Investments Corporate strategy Drug Development
  1. Nimbus Therapeutics uses a unique hub-and-spoke model to develop drugs. This lets them separate the main company from individual drug projects, so they can sell successful drugs while keeping the main business intact.
  2. The company focuses on computational drug discovery to make the process faster and cheaper. By using advanced technology, they can predict which drugs might succeed before doing expensive experiments.
  3. Nimbus has successfully sold several drug assets, demonstrating the effectiveness of their model. They show that a biotech can grow and make money while being flexible and innovative.

"Make America Healthy Again" is a Dumb, Rich Guy's Idea of Public Health

JoeWrote • 54 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Capitalism Pharmaceuticals Health Crisis Vaccination
  1. American health issues stem from capitalism, not just personal choices or corporations. This system often prioritizes profit over people's health, leading to serious public health crises.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health campaign promises are vague and do not address the fundamental issues behind America's health problems. Instead, they seem designed to raise money rather than provide real solutions.
  3. Critics argue that Kennedy's brand of anti-corporate rhetoric is disingenuous. They point out his connections to the very industries he claims to oppose, suggesting that real change needs to come from collective action rather than relying on wealthy individuals.

What does RFK Jr mean for healthcare?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 176 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Public Health Pharmaceuticals Vaccine Mandates Regulatory issues
  1. RFK Jr. could be pushed out of the healthcare conversation because he is anti-corporation. Many pharmaceutical companies might not want him involved due to his stance.
  2. He wants to change how vaccine makers are protected from lawsuits, suggesting they should face accountability like other drug companies. This could lead to better safety practices in vaccines.
  3. The current healthcare system is seen as corrupt and ineffective. There's a need for deeper reforms and better studies to ensure drug and vaccine safety.

The biggest move Robert F. Kennedy Jr. can make in his new job to show vaccine fanatics that they are no longer in charge

Unreported Truths • 125 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Health Policy Pharmaceuticals Health Risks
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should end the CDC's recommendation for COVID mRNA vaccines for children and teens once he is confirmed as HHS secretary.
  2. There are serious health concerns with these vaccines in young people, including potential for myocarditis and other severe side effects.
  3. The CDC's current stance is seen as outdated and driven by ideology rather than science, so a shift in public health policy is needed.

Allopathic Violence

The Carousel • 51 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Pharmaceuticals Mental health Public Health Insurance Issues
  1. The American health and pharmaceutical system is viewed as harmful and profit-driven, often prioritizing financial gain over patient well-being. This can lead to unnecessary medical treatments and a cycle of dependency on medications.
  2. Many medical issues, especially chronic pain, can be rooted in psychological factors rather than purely physical ones. This shows a need for a more holistic approach to health instead of just treating symptoms with drugs and surgeries.
  3. When dealing with health insurance like UnitedHealthcare, it's important to understand that their role is complex. They can be a part of the problem, but often the real issue lies with healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies who create unnecessary treatments.

Inconvenient History of Salk Inactivated Polio Vaccine

Who is Robert Malone • 37 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Pharmaceuticals Health Policy
  1. The Salk polio vaccine had serious safety issues, including live polio virus contamination which led to illness and deaths in children who received it. This was known as the Cutter Crisis.
  2. Bernice Eddy, a scientist who raised alarms about the vaccine's problems, faced backlash and was largely ignored for her warnings about its safety, including issues with a contaminating virus linked to cancer.
  3. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aims to improve vaccine safety regulations and believes all medications, including vaccines, should undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure they are safe for public use.

The Medicare Price Caps are the Moral Equivalent of Genocide

Something to Consider • 239 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Pharmaceuticals Public Health Economic Impact Regulation
  1. Medicare price caps could lower investment in new drugs, as they cut profits for pharmaceutical companies. Less investment might mean fewer new medicines in the future.
  2. Reducing drug prices could result in significant loss of life, as fewer new drugs mean fewer treatments for diseases. This effect is not just for the U.S., but could impact people globally.
  3. Instead of cutting prices, the focus should be on finding ways to help people afford medications. It's important to invest in pharmaceuticals to save lives rather than trying to cut costs at the expense of future health advancements.

Why is Dr. Scott Gottlieb so desperate to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr. out of Trump's cabinet?

Unreported Truths • 67 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Government Pharmaceuticals Public Health Regulatory Affairs
  1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb is openly opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a position in the Trump cabinet because he fears Kennedy would disrupt the current healthcare system. Many believe Big Pharma is worried about losing its grip on health policies if Kennedy gets into power.
  2. Gottlieb has a long history of connections with pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, which raises concerns about conflicts of interest. This background makes people skeptical about his motives and the influence of corporate interests in health decisions.
  3. Kennedy is seen by some as someone who could push for necessary changes in the healthcare system, while Gottlieb represents the status quo that many believe is broken and costly. The debate reflects ongoing frustrations with how healthcare is managed in the U.S.

Weight Loss Drugs Continue to Power Denmark's Economy

Apricitas Economics • 52 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Pharmaceuticals Exports Trade Manufacturing
  1. Denmark's economy is growing mainly because of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs help people lose weight and improve health, leading to increased demand and exports.
  2. The pharmaceutical boom has made Denmark one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU, with a significant rise in drug exports to the United States. This growth has greatly benefitted Denmark's GDP.
  3. Despite the economic growth, many people in Denmark aren't feeling the benefits yet. Personal spending and investment have been stagnant, even though pharmaceutical manufacturers are earning more money.

Disease X - Turns Out Death Is Profitable

AND Magazine • 1061 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pandemics Prevention Research Pharmaceuticals Healthcare systems
  1. Lab leaks and mishaps involving dangerous viruses are increasing worldwide post COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Scientists are creating highly lethal viruses through experiments, raising concerns about potential future pandemics.
  3. There is a focus on preparing for 'Disease X' which may lead to profit-making opportunities and increased restrictions.

The PBM-insurer mafia comes for community pharmacies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Healthcare Reform Insurance Regulations Public Health
  1. Big Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) like UnitedHealth and Cigna are pushing independent pharmacies out of business. They drop reimbursement rates, making it harder for these smaller pharmacies to survive.
  2. The financial troubles for independent pharmacies are linked to complex fees and lack of transparency from PBMs. Many pharmacies are struggling with fees that keep rising unexpectedly.
  3. Without independent pharmacies, people might face longer waits for medications and less personalized care. It's important for lawmakers to step in and make changes to support these community pharmacies.

Get Ready for Pfizer's "TURBO-CHARGED GUIDED MISSILE" Cancer Drugs

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1395 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals Mental health Holistic health Chronic diseases Preventive Healthcare
  1. Our leaders often benefit from wars without considering the consequences for ordinary citizens.
  2. Big Pharma's greed for profits drives the creation of drugs that may not address the root causes of diseases.
  3. People should focus on healthy habits instead of relying solely on medications for their well-being.

We Must Pay More for Drugs

Something to Consider • 79 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Drug Pricing Pharmaceuticals Consumer Rights Health economics
  1. Patents help inventors protect their ideas, but they alone can't ensure fair profits from innovations. We need more support to make sure inventors get what they deserve.
  2. In a monopoly, the price of goods reflects production costs, not research costs. This can lead to less innovation if prices don't encourage investment.
  3. To encourage more drug discoveries, we might need to pay higher prices or create subsidies and prizes for medical breakthroughs. It’s a tough choice, but necessary for progress.

RSV Vaccines for Children: Still Crazy After All These Years

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Pharmaceuticals Regulations Medical Ethics
  1. There are risks associated with RSV vaccines for children. Previous attempts to vaccinate for RSV led to severe reactions, including death, in some cases.
  2. Infants and young children, especially those who are premature, are at high risk for severe RSV disease. Most children get natural immunity by age two, making widespread vaccination less urgent.
  3. Current RSV vaccines do not prevent the infection or transmission of the virus. Instead, they aim to reduce severe illness, but for healthy children, the risks may outweigh the benefits.

Karuna Therapeutics, a drug repurposing effort, sold for about $14 billion. This is their story.

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 1119 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Drug Development Pharmaceuticals Clinical Trials Innovation
  1. Karuna Therapeutics achieved a $14 billion sale through drug repurposing.
  2. Drug repurposing can be a highly lucrative business without requiring excessive brilliance or luck.
  3. VCs often prioritize hype and platform-based drug development over drug repurposing success stories.

Novo Nordisk's Ethically Questionable Wegovy Publicity Stunt

Weight and Healthcare • 1078 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals Weight Loss Ethics Research Health Risks
  1. Novo Nordisk released a press release touting study results that were not peer-reviewed or published, raising ethical concerns.
  2. The study population in the trial for the weight loss drug Wegovy was limited to specific criteria, excluding certain groups for evaluation of benefits and risks.
  3. The publicity stunt around the drug's benefits showcases the pharmaceutical company's marketing tactics that may manipulate perceptions and stock prices.

Free lecture in San Diego - How to read trials

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 40 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Ethics Pharmaceuticals Healthcare policy Patient Advocacy
  1. There is a free lecture in San Diego about reading trials. It's a great opportunity for anyone wanting to learn how to understand trial results.
  2. The lecture is unique because it is not funded by pharmaceutical companies. This might give a more unbiased view on the information being discussed.
  3. Attending this lecture could help people become more knowledgeable about medical studies. It's a chance to ask questions and get clarity on trial data.