A new Alzheimer’s drug exposes a ‘fundamentally flawed’ part of how the US pays for drugs

Hi,

Good morning, and welcome back to Insider Healthcare. I'm Andrew Dunn, and today in healthcare news:

• A new Alzheimer's drug exposes a 'fundamentally flawed' part of how the US pays for drugs;
• The US will likely miss Biden's July 4 vaccination goal;
• GlaxoSmithKline faces a critical investor day as activist investor pressure increases.

If you're new to this newsletter, sign up here. And let me know what we should be paying attention to going forward: [email protected]. On to the news:

Doctors stand to make thousands on a new Alzheimer's drug even if they don't believe it works. It reveals a 'fundamentally flawed' part of America's healthcare system.

• It's not clear if a newly approved Alzheimer's drug is safe and effective.
• Even as many neurologists doubt Aduhelm's benefits, they stand to make more money if they prescribe it.
• Experts say it's the latest example of the overdue need for reform to the US healthcare system.

Read more on Aduhelm's budget-breaking potential here >>

US will likely miss Biden's July 4 COVID-19 goal of having 70% of adults vaccinated, White House says

• The country will likely miss Biden's goal of having 70% of adults partially vaccinated by July 4.
• The White House made the announcement on Tuesday.
• Press secretary Jen Psaki said the goal will likely be achieved a couple weeks after July 4.

Read more here >>

With activist investor Elliott breathing down GSK's neck, here are 5 burning questions the pharma giant needs to answer at a critical investor day

• Leaders of GlaxoSmithKline will present their vision for the pharma giant on Wednesday.
• GSK has faced mounting questions over its vaccine business and cancer-research strategy.
• We're watching for five pressing questions that GSK may attempt to answer.

Hear more about GSK's big day here >>

More stories we're reading today:

• The FDA approved a controversial, $56,000-a-year Alzheimer's drug despite opposition inside the agency, internal memos show (Insider)
• Chadwick Boseman's tragedy is America's tragedy: In colorectal cancer hot spots, young men are dying at higher rates (STAT News)
• A TikTok trend of swinging your arm around like a windmill to stop soreness after vaccine is nonsense, experts say (Insider)
• From game-changer to back-up: J&J's COVID vaccine struggles in Europe (Reuters)

- Andrew