
An Amino Acid Dispute Between Eli Lilly and the FDA Could Delay Cheaper Retatrutide by Years
Eli Lilly and the FDA are in a legal dispute over whether retatrutide, a triple-hormone injection for obesity, is a biologic or a drug. The classification affects market exclusivity, with biologics having 12 years and drugs 5 years. Lilly claims retatrutide has 41 amino acids, meeting the biologic threshold, but the FDA disagrees. The outcome could delay cheaper versions of the drug by years, impacting patients and insurers. Lilly plans to file for approval in early 2027, but the timeline may sh

LVS keeps Macau promotional spending high in push for premium players
Las Vegas Sands (LVS) plans to maintain high promotional spending in Macau to attract premium players, despite potential short-term earnings impact. According to Seaport Research Partners, LVS aims to regain market share in the competitive casino market, with no plans to reduce spending in the near future. The company operates five resorts in Macau through its Sands China subsidiary.

FDA Decision Due Thursday on a Two-Drug HIV Pill Designed to Simplify Complex Daily Regimens
The FDA has a target date of August 27, 2026, to decide on Gilead Sciences' application for a once-daily two-drug HIV tablet combining bictegravir and lenacapavir. The decision could offer a new option for adults with HIV who are already virologically suppressed. The application is supported by two phase 3 trials, ARTISTRY-1 and ARTISTRY-2, which showed comparable efficacy and no significant safety concerns. The pill's approval would not cover people starting treatment for the first time or thos

Bitcoin Wakes Up as Treasury Blinks: Is the Great Catch
Bitcoin surged to $78,800, driven by $4B in short liquidations and $1.92B in U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF inflows, led by BlackRock's IBIT. Institutional demand and broader crypto market gains followed. Bitcoin remains 40% below its 2025 peak but may catch up as traditional markets rally. Treasury's bond buyback plan aimed to lower yields but had limited impact, signaling potential discomfort with high yields, which could support Bitcoin's case.

Trump's 50% Canada tariff threat rattles Michigan auto makers and workers near Detroit
The Trump administration proposed a 50% tariff on Canadian auto parts starting in 2027, raising concerns among Michigan auto suppliers. CITIC Dicastal CEO Dale Hadel warned of potential disruptions, as his company relies on Canadian aluminum. Workers and industry experts fear job losses and inflation. Canada plans retaliatory tariffs. Ford, Stellantis, and GM have not commented.

Taiwan indicts Nvidia manager after chip smuggling probe
Taiwanese prosecutors indicted a senior Nvidia manager and eight others, including two Super Micro employees, for allegedly smuggling advanced AI chips to China, circumventing US trade restrictions. The group attempted to ship 74 servers with high-end B300 chips and 56 others were seized. Prosecutors seek five years for the Nvidia manager, described as the 'core figure'. Both Nvidia and Super Micro deny wrongdoing and are cooperating with authorities.