Podcast Summary: Pharma and Biotech Daily

Episode: Trump Considers Tariff Exemptions and More
Date: September 15, 2025
Host: Pharma and BioTech News

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of the day's most significant developments in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Key topics include U.S. policy considerations around tariff exemptions for pharmaceuticals, major regulatory actions, workforce shifts in big pharma, exclusivity milestones, biotech deal activity, and notable clinical trial news.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump Considers Tariff Exemptions for Certain Pharmaceuticals

• The U.S. administration under President Trump is considering exempting certain non-patented pharmaceuticals from tariffs.

• Details or guidelines for these potential exemptions have not yet been released.

• Implication: This move could offer relief to generic drugmakers and influence the global pharmaceutical supply chain.

  • Quote:

    “President Trump is considering exempting certain non patented pharmaceuticals from tariffs, although specific guidelines have not yet been released.”
    — Host (00:06)

2. Intercept Withdraws Liver Drug Ocaliva from US Market

• Intercept Pharmaceuticals withdraws Ocaliva (obeticholic acid) from the U.S. market.

• Ocaliva had been approved in 2016 for primary biliary cholangitis.

• The drug did not receive full approval in the past year, which appears to have influenced this decision.

  • Quote:

    “The Intercept has withdrawn a liver drug from the US market. And Ocaliva, approved for primary biliary cholangitis in 2016, did not receive full approval last year.”
    — Host (00:13)

3. Merck Cuts UK R&D Jobs

• Merck is cutting 125 jobs in the UK, specifically as it winds down R&D work in that location.

• Reflects broader trends of restructuring and shifting research priorities within large pharmaceuticals.

  • Quote:

    “Merck is cutting 125 employees in the UK as it ends R and D work.”
    — Host (00:21)

4. AbbVie Extends Renvoq Exclusivity

• AbbVie reaches a settlement to extend market exclusivity of its blockbuster drug Renvoq until 2037.

• The extension involves an agreement with generic challengers, illustrating the industry's use of litigation settlements to prolong market exclusivity.

  • Quote:

    “Abbvie has extended exclusivity for its drug Renvoq until 2037 with a generics settlement.”
    — Host (00:25)

5. Novo Nordisk Grows Rapidly

• Novo Nordisk’s headcount has increased by 81% over five years, mirroring the company’s significant revenue growth.

  • Quote:

    “Novo's headcount has increased by 81 percent in five years as revenue climbed.”
    — Host (00:29)

6. FDA Prepares to Restrict Chinese Drug Licensing

• The FDA is reportedly preparing an order that would restrict U.S. companies from engaging in licensing deals with Chinese drugmakers.

• Could significantly impact the flow of innovation and cross-border partnerships in the biotech sector.

  • Quote:

    “The FDA is reportedly preparing an order restricting Chinese drug licensing deals.”
    — Host (00:33)

7. Gene Therapy Clinical Trial Incident: Capsida

• Capsida reports a patient death in one of its gene therapy trials.

• Highlights the ongoing challenges and risks associated with gene therapy research.

  • Quote:

    “Capsida has reported a patient death in a gene therapy trial.”
    — Host (00:37)

8. Novartis Pursues More M&A Activity

• Novartis business development team is busy lining up “bolt-on” acquisition deals for 2025, underscoring the company’s strategy to grow via targeted M&A.

  • Quote:

    “Novartis BD team is busy with bolt on deal promises for 2025.”
    — Host (00:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump Tariff Exemptions:
  “President Trump is considering exempting certain non patented pharmaceuticals from tariffs, although specific guidelines have not yet been released.” (00:06)

• On Ocaliva Withdrawal:
  “Ocaliva, approved for primary biliary cholangitis in 2016, did not receive full approval last year.” (00:15)

• On Workforce Shifts:
  “Merck is cutting 125 employees in the UK as it ends R and D work.” (00:21)

• On Regulatory Moves:
  “The FDA is reportedly preparing an order restricting Chinese drug licensing deals.” (00:33)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trump Considers Tariff Exemptions: 00:06
• Intercept Withdraws Ocaliva: 00:13
• Merck R&D Layoffs: 00:21
• AbbVie Extends Renvoq Exclusivity: 00:25
• Novo’s Growth Statistics: 00:29
• FDA Restriction on Chinese Licensing: 00:33
• Capsida Gene Therapy Patient Death: 00:37
• Novartis M&A Activity: 00:41

Summary and Insights

This episode delivers a rapid-fire briefing of major developments shaping the pharma and biotech landscape, with particular focus on U.S. policy, company strategy, regulatory action, and the competitive environment. Listeners gain a clear picture of active policy shifts (tariffs, FDA scrutiny), sector challenges (R&D cuts, trial setbacks), and the ongoing race for growth through exclusivity and acquisitions.

For more details and the latest updates, visit: Pharma and BioTech Daily Website.