STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Novo setback in court, a House probe into big PBMs, and more

Rise and shine, everyone, another busy day is on the way. And it is getting off to a pleasant start here on the Pharmalot campus, where clear blue skies and comfy breezes are greeting us. As for the official mascots, they have finished keeping passersby at bay and are now happily snoozing in their respective corners. As for us, we are firing up the trusty kettle for another cuppa stimulation. Our choice today is Earl Grey, a favorite from our pantry. Of course, you are invited to join us. For the full experience, we are now hawking replicas — take a look. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. As always, do keep in touch. We appreciate feedback, criticism, and tips. …

GSK is seeing its return to oncology start to pay off, STAT says. In the past week, a cancer drug picked up an approval for another tumor type, the company unveiled the first data from a global study of a promising next-generation chemotherapy, and a medicine the firm licensed got the limelight in a presidential session at a major oncology conference. GSK is also awaiting another expected approval in the coming weeks for a new lung cancer drug. That said, GSK is still a small player among big drugmakers. Its oncology sales last year were about $2.67 billion, a 43% jump from the year prior, but less than one-tenth of the sales of Merck’s Keytruda alone.

A House lawmaker is investigating whether the three largest pharmacy benefit managers targeted independent pharmacies with audits in retaliation for supporting a bill that would require the companies to adjust payments to the retailers, STAT tells us. James Comer (R-Ky.), who heads the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, late last week sent letters to CVS Caremark, OptumRx, and Express Scripts, claiming that independent pharmacies “experienced an unusual surge in burdensome audits” after many openly backed the legislation he introduced last year.