Nine More Drugmakers Join the Medicaid Pricing Deals, and the Effect on Your Pharmacy Bill Is Limited

Barclays initiated coverage on 26 medical device makers, rating Stryker (SYK) and Abbott Laboratories (ABT) as Overweight. Analyst Christopher Pasquale cited compelling valuations and a potential stabilization of revenue as catalysts. Price targets were set for several companies, including SYK at $375 and ABT at $120.

Teva Pharmaceutical (TEVA) presented data on ecopipam, an investigational treatment for pediatric Tourette syndrome. Studies showed clinically meaningful tic severity reduction within two months and sustained over a year. The drug maintained efficacy regardless of co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Ecopipam has FDA Priority Review and Orphan Drug designation.

Teva Pharmaceuticals presented new data on ecopipam, an investigational drug for pediatric Tourette syndrome, showing clinically meaningful tic reductions within 8 weeks and sustained benefits through 18 months. The findings, presented at the International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, include pooled post hoc analyses and interim results from ongoing studies. Ecopipam is under FDA priority review, with a target action date in Q1 2027.

Teva received FDA approval for DEGEVMA, a biosimilar to Xgeva, across all indications. This follows the March 2026 approval of PONLIMSI, completing Teva's U.S. denosumab biosimilar portfolio. The company aims to expand access to oncology-related bone disease and osteoporosis treatments, reducing healthcare costs.

Teva Pharmaceuticals presented new data for ecopipam, an investigational treatment for pediatric Tourette syndrome, showing rapid and sustained tic reduction. In trials, 69.8% of patients saw a 25% reduction in tic severity within eight weeks, with benefits lasting over a year. The drug is under FDA Priority Review, and Teva aims for approval as the first new therapy in over a decade.

The Trump administration selected 10 drugmakers, including AbbVie, Amgen, Pfizer, and GSK, for a 340B rebate pilot program starting January 1. The program tests a rebate model for 21 discounted drugs under the 340B program. The HRSA oversees the initiative, aiming to address compliance proactively. The program is contentious, with pharmaceutical companies and hospitals disputing its impact.