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Tristan Manalac

Tristan Manalac

Contributing Writer | News

Tristan is an independent science writer based in Metro Manila, with more than eight years of experience writing about medicine, biotech and science. Being formally trained in molecular biology, he once dreamed of collecting degrees and starting his own lab. But these days, he finds his greatest joy in a bottle of beer and a beautiful sentence. He can be reached at tristan.manalac@biospace.com, tristan@tristanmanalac.com or on LinkedIn.

Pictured: Sign of U.S. Department of Health & Huma
Drug pricing
CMS Prepares for Third Cycle of Drug Negotiations as Trump Intensifies Push To Lower Prices
The third cycle of the drug price negotiations will involve drugs under Medicare Part B. New prices are set to take effect in 2028.
May 13, 2025
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3 min read
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Tristan Manalac
red figurine of a man stands aside from the crowd of people. Asociality, sociopathy. Rejected from society, lonely. Development of leadership and social qualities. Infected, fear and misunderstanding.
Pharmacy benefit managers
Trump’s Most Favored Nation Policy Sparks PBM Selloff
The Most Favored Nation directive would allow drugmakers to directly sell their products to patients at a lower cost, cutting out what President Donald Trump called “the middlemen.”
May 13, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Save money and investment concept. Closeup piggy bank and silver coins falling. 3d rendering illustration
Funding
Azafaros Raises $150M To Target Rare Neuro-Metabolic Diseases
Azafaros will use the Series B haul to push lead asset nizubaglustat into late-stage studies for Niemann-Pick disease Type C and GM1/GM2 gangliosidoses later this year.
May 13, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Stand out from the crowd and different creative idea concepts , Longest light ladder glowing and aiming high to goal target among other short ladders on green background with shadows . 3D rendering.
Obesity
Lilly’s Zepbound Secures “Superior Benefit-Risk Ratio” Over Novo’s Wegovy
In addition to eliciting greater weight loss than Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, Eli Lilly’s Zepbound does not come at the expense of safety, according to newly released comprehensive tolerability data—findings that Leerink analysts say confirm the GLP-1 drug’s edge in the closely watched market race.
May 12, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Roche's tower in Shanghai, China
Manufacturing
Roche Makes $300M China Production Promise After Multibillion US Investment
Last month, Roche committed $50 billion in U.S. manufacturing funds, with which it will construct at least four new facilities.
May 12, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Creative photo collage or modern art collage featuring symbols of law and justice. Hand holding a gavel and scales of justice with books about law.
Legal
BMS, Sanofi Settle Plavix Suit With Hawaii for $700M
The Plavix lawsuit dates back to 2014, when Hawaii first sued BMS and Sanofi, alleging that they failed to properly inform patients in the state that the drug is likely to be less effective for them.
May 12, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Background with halftone hand hold magnifier and torn papers. Collage element for search concept. Find information in internet browser.
Vaccines
FDA, EU Flag Safety Issues With Valneva’s Chikungunya Vaccine
The FDA and CDC have also recommended pausing the use of Ixchiq in seniors 60 years and older while safety investigations are ongoing.
May 12, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Radiopharmaceuticals
Radiopharma Powerhouses Push Frontiers With New Indications, Innovation
At the intersection of radiation and precision, Novartis, Bayer, AstraZeneca and more hope to cash in on a radiopharmaceuticals market that could top $16 billion by 2033.
May 12, 2025
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9 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Hands tearing money over red background. Professional challenges, disagreement, greed. Contemporary art collage. Concept of financial literacy, economic, business, money
Layoffs
Sanofi Cuts Off Antibody Partner, Forcing 80% Headcount Reduction at IGM
After losing its powerhouse partner, IGM Biosciences closed “most” of its labs and offices and initiated a strategic review of potential strategic alternatives and options for the business.
May 9, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Handshake of man and robot. Modern technologies. Art collage.
Artificial intelligence
Amid Layoffs, Delays, FDA Turns to AI for Speedy Reviews
The FDA expects to fully integrate its AI approach by June 30, though its different centers have been instructed to start the rollout immediately.
May 9, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Trendy halftone collage. A hand holds a ringing alarm clock. Time, hurry up. Vector business concepts for graphic and web design, marketing and print materials, social media. Vector illustration
Regulatory
FDA Delays Continue as Regulator Misses Review Date for GSK’s Nucala
The missed PDUFA adds to a string of delays at the FDA in recent weeks, including at least two other missed target action dates.
May 9, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Creative photo collage of funny young guy falling down shaming finger directing him stop corporate bullying isolated on pink background.
Layoffs
Rallybio Downsizes by 40% After Dropping Lead Asset
The company discontinued development last month of its most mature asset, RLYB212, following disappointing mid-stage pharmacokinetic findings in a rare bleeding disorder.
May 9, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Deerfield - Circa June 2019: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company. Takeda recently acquired Irish drugmaker Shire I
Earnings
Takeda Pledges $30B in U.S., Argues Against Trump’s ‘Most Favored Nation’ Proposal
Takeda’s Julie Kim argues that Trump’s idea to match drug prices to that of other countries could cost the industry up to $1 trillion over the next 10 years.
May 8, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Eli Lilly's headquarters in Indianapolis
GLP-1
Lilly Wins Court Battle Against Compounders as Judge Backs FDA: Tirzepatide No Longer in Shortage
Following a similar decision in case the trade group Outsourcing Facilities Association brought against FDA over its decision to declare the end of the shortage of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, Judge Mark Pittman agreed that Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide is in sufficient supply, meaning compounding pharmacies can no longer sell the lucrative weight loss drugs.
May 8, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Vector wire-frame model of a residential building. Construction concept. Drawing or blueprint style. Vector made from 3d model
Manufacturing
Gilead Pumps $11B More Into US Manufacturing, Hopes To Add 3,000 Jobs
Gilead will construct three new facilities in the U.S., while upgrading three others. The company claims the investment will produce "$43 billion in value.”
May 8, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
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