The hottest Pharmaceuticals Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Structure Therapeutics in the spotlight

Boutique Biotech • 19 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🔬 Science Pharmaceuticals
  1. Structure Therapeutics' GPCR showed significant weight reduction in overweight patients with their oral GLP-1 receptor agonist GSBR-1290.
  2. The once-a-day pill resulted in 4.8kg weight loss, approximately 5.4% at the highest dose after 28 days.
  3. The data from Structure Therapeutics' Phase 1b study is compared with other oral medications for obesity in the same field.

Links in Progress: Snakebites, Pig Hearts, and More

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🔬 Science Pharmaceuticals
  1. An AI tool has been developed to create a new kind of antivenom that can work without refrigeration. This could help save many lives, especially in areas where snakebites are common.
  2. A study showed that a vaccine for Ebola had an 84% effectiveness in preventing the disease in high-risk groups. This is good news for controlling future outbreaks.
  3. New technologies in gene editing and drug development are rapidly evolving, with Chinese companies making significant strides in creating new treatments.

On the arrogance (and stupidity) of Pfizer's Super Bowl ad - PART TWO

Unreported Truths • 58 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals
  1. Pfizer's Super Bowl ad highlighting its history and association with great scientists received mixed reviews, with many criticizing it as overreaching and lacking in substance.
  2. Pfizer, though a major pharmaceutical company, was not historically known for scientific leadership, until it partnered with BioNTech for the creation of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.
  3. Despite initial success and recognition, Pfizer's stock price and reputation have suffered due to waning effectiveness of mRNA vaccines and lack of scientific advancements compared to competitors.
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Drugs that are their own pipelines

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals
  1. Investors are focusing on early-stage life science companies that may start with just an idea. This can help bring innovative health solutions to life.
  2. The partnership between investors and inventors is key. It aims to support those who have a strong desire to build something impactful.
  3. These companies often create their own development pathways, which means they can turn their ideas into reality without needing external support.

RSV Vaccines for Children: Still Crazy After All These Years

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  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.

The U.S. Disease Epidemic and MAHA

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Many Americans are suffering from serious health issues, with a high number living with chronic illnesses. This shows that despite advances in healthcare, people's health is getting worse.
  2. The current medical system heavily favors pharmaceutical companies over patient care. This creates a cycle where dangerous drugs can be approved while underlying health problems are ignored.
  3. Environmental factors, like toxins in food and other products, are major contributors to health issues. A reevaluation of health policies and standards is needed to protect people's well-being.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 206: A Special Mental Health Edition with David Wayne, BSN-RN and Kim Witczak.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 04 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. Mental health and the use of antidepressants are important topics to discuss, especially when it comes to young people. We need to make sure they're fully informed about their options.
  2. Many kids might be labeled with disorders for normal feelings like sadness and shyness. It's important to question if we're over-medicalizing everyday emotions.
  3. Understanding the side effects and withdrawal challenges of SSRIs is crucial. Families should have all the information they need to make the best decisions for their mental health.

What Kennedy Must Do to Defeat Regulatory Capture

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Regulatory capture means that big companies can influence government agencies to protect their interests instead of the public's. This often leads to policies that aren't in the best interest of consumers.
  2. The FDA and other agencies can make mistakes that harm people, and they often lack accountability. Without competition or choice, these agencies might not prioritize public safety.
  3. To truly improve healthcare regulations, we might need to rethink the role of government agencies altogether. Some suggest that eliminating these agencies could make the market safer and more effective for everyone.

about pharmaceuticals and their commercials

the rohn report • 59 implied HN points • 08 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. Pharmaceutical commercials often follow a predictable formula, portraying idealistic, happy scenarios while downplaying potential side effects and risks.
  2. The pharmaceutical industry in the US is heavily marketed, indicating a significant focus on advertising and promotional activities.
  3. Companies may employ various tactics, like offering gifts to clinic staff, to influence the prescribing and use of their products, raising questions about ethics and integrity.

Pharma Darlings

Natural Selections • 11 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. New weight loss drugs like GLP-1 RAs are popular, but they come with risks and might not be as safe as people think. There are concerns about muscle loss and other health issues.
  2. The food we eat is often unhealthy and can contribute to weight gain and poor health. Many foods are processed with chemicals that are not good for our bodies.
  3. Instead of relying on quick fixes like pills, focusing on better eating habits and exercise could lead to healthier lifestyles. Simple changes like controlling carbs and eating more protein can make a difference.

The Takada paper shows very clearly that the COVID vaccines are not safe

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. The Takada paper suggests that there are very high risks of myocarditis associated with the COVID vaccines, especially with Moderna, which has an alarming ROR of 54.
  2. This data raises concerns about the overall safety of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, indicating they have significant issues compared to other drugs.
  3. Health authorities are not providing adequate information about these risks, and there are calls for more transparency regarding the vaccine's safety profile.

Centessa Pharmaceuticals: Asset-Centric Business Model

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals
  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 Pfizer Papers: Pfizer's Crimes Against Humanity

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 10 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. A large group of doctors and scientists studied 450,000 pages of Pfizer's documents, uncovering serious issues with their COVID vaccine trials. They found that Pfizer may have harmed a lot of people, especially regarding reproductive health.
  2. Many adverse effects from the vaccine were reported, including severe health problems and deaths that were not fully disclosed by Pfizer. This lack of transparency raised serious concerns about the vaccine's safety.
  3. The collective efforts of these volunteers led to important findings being published, which ultimately helped inform the public and pushed back against vaccine mandates and misinformation.

Axial Daily #1 (Biotech Exits)

axialdaily • 2 HN points • 17 Mar 23
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals
  1. Important theme in biotech exits: Selling to large companies like Sanofi early on can be valuable.
  2. On average, biotech companies took about 13.8 years from founding to exit, with a valuation of $5.6B at acquisition.
  3. Success stories in biotech highlight the value of innovative technologies and focusing on unmet medical needs.

Three Ways the Next President Should Tackle Big Pharma

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 2 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Repealing the PREP Act is necessary because it protects pharmaceutical companies from being sued for injuries caused by their drugs, which is unfair to those harmed. People who get hurt by vaccines or medicines should have the right to seek justice and compensation.
  2. The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 needs to be repealed or changed because it creates barriers for families seeking help after vaccine-related injuries. Many petitions are dismissed, leaving those affected without proper support.
  3. The connection between Big Pharma and government roles needs to be closed so that industry can’t influence regulators. This 'revolving door' creates trust issues, as officials may prioritize industry interests over public health.

ICP #001: melanotan II

Aliveness Studies • 2 HN points • 20 Aug 23
🔬 Science Pharmaceuticals
  1. Melanotan II activates pathways triggered by UV light for sunless tanning.
  2. Melanotan II binds to different melanocortin receptors resulting in various effects like nausea and sexual arousal.
  3. Palatin Technologies developed bremelanotide from Melanotan II for treating sexual dysfunction without tanning effects.

A Monopoly on Poop

Eat Shit and Prosper • 1 HN point • 14 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. The FDA approved Rebyota, a new treatment for serious gut infections that is basically just processed poop, but it comes with a very high price tag of around $9,487, sparking concerns about its affordability compared to existing fecal microbiota transplants.
  2. Fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) have been used effectively for years but face regulatory challenges, leading to limited access and insurance coverage, which leaves patients with expensive options like Rebyota.
  3. The FDA's new rules seem to restrict the use of lower-cost stool banks for FMTs, creating a monopoly for companies producing expensive versions, which raises questions about priorities in healthcare and profit vs. patient care.

The Rise and Fall of Giants?

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 1 HN point • 03 Mar 24
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals
  1. The corporate landscape is experiencing shifts in power, demographics, mindsets, and technology, leading to potential tectonic changes in the leading companies and industries.
  2. While there might be some new entrants, the most valuable companies have remained consistently dominated by technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, financial powerhouses, and Walmart for decades.
  3. The future of companies will involve fewer employees leveraging AI for productivity, a more geographically distributed workforce, and a greater focus on employee joy for talent retention and growth.

Value and Taxes: Breaking down the Pfizer- Allergan Deal

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 15
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals
  1. Pfizer's interest in acquiring Allergan is partly about buying growth. However, overpaying for this growth could hurt Pfizer's value, and Allergan's fast growth doesn't guarantee it’s a good buy.
  2. The U.S. corporate tax system is criticized for being too high and inconsistent, pushing companies like Pfizer to consider moving their headquarters abroad to save on taxes.
  3. Many see Pfizer's acquisition as potentially immoral due to the tax avoidance angle. However, business leaders often prioritize shareholder value over patriotic concerns.

A Valeant Update: Damaged Goods or Deeply Discounted Drug Company?

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 23 Mar 17
💰 Finance Pharmaceuticals
  1. Valeant's past business model involved heavy debt and questionable pricing tactics, which damaged its reputation and led to significant financial losses. This shows how a company's ethics can affect its long-term success.
  2. The future of Valeant may lead to three outcomes: it can continue as a struggling company, become an acquisition target, or be sold off in parts to recover value. Each option has its challenges.
  3. It's important for investors to recognize their mistakes and make informed decisions. Holding onto bad investments out of fear can lead to bigger losses, so it's crucial to evaluate whether to continue investing or to cut losses.

The Journal of the American Medical Association Finally Questions Whether the FDA Should be Approving Useless No-Evidence Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jan 10
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. The evidence suggests that drugs lowering cholesterol may not actually prevent heart attacks by lowering cholesterol, but by clearing LDL from the bloodstream more quickly.
  2. The FDA approved cholesterol-lowering drugs based on their ability to lower cholesterol levels, without concrete evidence of preventing heart disease.
  3. Recent studies have suggested that some cholesterol-lowering drugs like ezetimibe may not effectively prevent heart disease, sparking questions about the approval process and physician prescribing practices.

Gossamer Bio in the spotlight

Boutique Biotech • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
💰 Finance Pharmaceuticals
  1. Gossamer Bio's stock fell in December 2022 after Phase 2 data release.
  2. GOSS performed well in 'sicker' Class III PAH patients but not as well in 'less sick' Class II patients.
  3. The post discusses a deep dive into the value and outlook of Gossamer Bio.

The Kennedy Conundrum

The Oasis • 0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promised to release hidden data from health agencies about drug safety and vaccine effects. He believes the public deserves to know the real dangers of these products.
  2. He plans to investigate medical journals for possible corruption in research publishing. This includes looking into how studies are selected and how they promote drug companies' interests.
  3. Kennedy wants to stop prescription drug advertising on TV, something that's only allowed in the U.S. and New Zealand. This could shake up the media landscape, as many news outlets rely heavily on this advertising revenue.

Human Cells vs. Humans: The $100 Billion Drug Translation Paradox

Nano Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. Current methods for drug testing often fail because they focus too much on studying individual cells instead of how the whole human body works. This leads to many drugs that seem effective in labs but fail in real patients.
  2. We need to explore new methods, like using AI to look at patient data, instead of just improving cell models. This could help us find which treatments work for different kinds of patients.
  3. Successful drug development should combine both cell models to create new drugs and patient-level insights to figure out who will benefit most from them. It's time to rethink how we approach medicine.

Checkmate or Stalemate? Valeant's Fall from Investing Grace

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 11 Nov 15
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals
  1. Valeant's growth strategy focused on buying other companies to quickly boost revenues. This approach worked for a while but relied heavily on acquisitions rather than innovation.
  2. The rise and fall of Valeant shows how important ethical practices are in business. Many investors were drawn to Valeant's pricing strategies but faced backlash when those practices were exposed.
  3. The company's complex structure and accounting methods led to confusion and skepticism among analysts and investors. This complexity ultimately contributed to its rapid decline as trust eroded.

Divergence in the Drug Businesses: Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 15
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals
  1. The healthcare business has changed significantly over the past 25 years, especially with pharmaceuticals losing pricing power due to factors like more insurance consolidation and government negotiations.
  2. Biotechnology companies are growing rapidly and driving much of the revenue in the drug industry, while traditional pharmaceutical companies are facing stagnation.
  3. Investors are now more cautious about R&D spending in pharmaceuticals, focusing on results rather than just the amount spent, leading to a shift in how drug companies strategize for growth.

Merck and Pfizer: Thoughts on investing as a patriotic duty and market efficiency

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 20 Feb 11
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals
  1. Investing in R&D and building factories isn't always the best choice, especially if companies don't have a good reason to do so. It's important to create a strong economic environment rather than just relying on patriotism.
  2. Market reactions to investment announcements can be mixed. Sometimes, a company's stock goes up after announcing investments, but that doesn't always mean it's a good decision. The history of the company can affect how investors feel about those choices.
  3. It's too early to tell which company, Pfizer or Merck, made the better decision. Investors need to watch how their actions play out over time and whether they can deliver results that make sense.

Want To Buy: A Placebo

KCKlatt’s Substack • 0 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. Placebo-controlled trials help determine how well treatments work. They compare a new treatment to a fake one to see if there's real effectiveness.
  2. Learning about placebos is important in science when designing experiments. It’s one of the basics taught in research training.
  3. High-quality studies give us confidence in treatment results. Well-done trials show if a treatment is actually helping people.

Prescription Medicines Can Bite Too [Pregabalin]

The Drug Users Bible • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. Pregabalin is a prescription drug that many people mistakenly think is always safe because it’s prescribed by doctors. But it can have serious side effects when misused.
  2. Dosage matters a lot with pregabalin. Taking too much can lead to a very uncomfortable and inebriated state, so it's important to use caution and stick to lower doses.
  3. There’s a growing number of deaths linked to pregabalin, showing that it's not just the recreational aspects that are risky. It’s crucial to treat this drug with respect and awareness.