• Delaware/New Jersey: AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb are currently in talks about a potential merger. If the companies merged, they would create the fourth largest pharmaceutical company in the world by market capitalization, with a combined market value of almost $400 billion. If completed, the deal would be AstraZeneca's largest transaction, surpassing its 2021 acquisition of Alexion for $39 billion. However, analysts say the deal would likely experience significant antitrust scrutiny since both companies have sizable oncology portfolios, including competing lung cancer treatments. Although the companies have discussed a potential merger for the last few months, their talks could still be delayed or ultimately end without a deal occurring. (Jeffries, Becker's Hospital Review, 8/3; Primark, Axios, 8/3)
• Maryland: According to new CMS data, participants in the ACO REACH program generated $2.5 billion gross savings, with net savings reaching $988.3 million. Of the 115 accountable care organizations (ACOs) participating in the program, 96 earned savings while 19 reported a net loss. CMS also reported that the participating ACOs generally maintained high performance on quality, with 49 ACOs qualifying for a high performance pool that allowed them to earn additional benefits. The ACO REACH model is slated to conclude at the end of 2026. A new model called Long-Term Enhanced ACO Design (LEAD) will replace ACO REACH on Jan. 1, 2027, and run for 10 years. In a statement, the National Association of ACOs said the results of the ACO REACH program "demonstrate the success and impact of the model’s innovative design and focus on high-needs populations" and that "[w]e look forward to seeing these features scale through the upcoming LEAD model." (Minemyer, Fierce Healthcare, 7/10)
• New Jersey: Samsung has launched a beta version of a new AI-powered personal health assistant as part of its efforts to bring more AI-driven medical guidance to consumers. The Samsung Health Assistant is part of the Samsung Health app and is currently available to eligible U.S. users. Users can ask the assistant health questions and receive personalized guidance and recommendations through a "unique knowledge base." Insights provided by the assistant have been validated by a team of physicians and certified health coaches, company leaders said. "Our new Health Assistant advances Samsung's vision for Connected Care by giving users a deeper understanding of their mind and body through daily health monitoring and increasing opportunities for early detection," said Hon Pak, SVP and head of the digital health team at Samsung. According to Fierce Healthcare, Samsung has recently made a greater push into healthcare, with new acquisitions and partnerships. Last year, the company acquired Xealth, a digital health platform. It also announced partnerships with Lark Health and Neuroscape. (Gleeson, Fierce Healthcare, 7/22)

In a rapidly changing pharmaceutical landscape, three foundational forces are set to shape the industry's future: artificial intelligence and machine learning in drug development, the urgent need for health equity, and the role of patient-reported outcomes. Discover why these forces are critical for manufacturers to consider in their strategic planning for 2025 and beyond.