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Category: 3. Business

  • Gilead and U.S. Government Enter Agreement to Lower Costs of Medicines for Americans

    Agreement addresses all requests by President Trump to reduce drug costs in the U.S., encourage global investment and protect American biopharma leadership

    Company reinforces commitment to U.S. manufacturing and American jobs

    FOSTER CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
    Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced an agreement with the U.S. government designed to reduce drug costs for Americans, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to U.S.-based innovation, affordability, and global health leadership.

    “This agreement reflects a foundational commitment to both affordability and future innovation, a commitment that we have long seen as essential to shaping the future of healthcare,” said Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gilead Sciences. “The progress toward expanding access and increasing investment in U.S. innovation will meaningfully contribute to America’s health and economic priorities. Gilead Sciences will continue to work with the Administration in service of these priorities for the benefit of generations to come.”

    As part of the three-year agreement, Gilead addresses all requests by President Trump to implement a new pricing strategy that prioritizes American patients, ensuring the U.S. no longer bears a disproportionate share of global healthcare costs. This includes:

    • Discounts on certain existing medicines within the U.S. Medicaid program, similar to what is paid in comparably developed nations, including select medications to treat HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B and COVID-19.
    • Pricing future medicines at parity with other key developed nations.
    • Launching a Direct-to-Patient Program where individuals with a prescription can obtain Gilead’s hepatitis C treatment and cure, Epclusa ®, at a discounted cash price. Gilead will make Epclusa available via TrumpRx.gov where American patients can be connected directly with Gilead’s Direct-to-Patient Program.
    • An agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce to be exempt from Section 232 pharmaceutical tariffs for three years, provided Gilead further invests in manufacturing in the United States.

    Based on these terms, the company expects the financial impact to be manageable in 2026 and beyond. Additional terms of the agreement with the U.S. government remain confidential.

    This agreement reinforces America’s leadership in global health and biomedical innovation and builds upon Gilead’s recently announced landmark partnership with the U.S. Department of State to provide its breakthrough HIV prevention medicine, lenacapavir, at no profit to up to two million individuals in the most severely affected countries around the world over the next three years.

    Gilead also recently announced it will invest $32 billion in U.S.-based manufacturing, R&D, and infrastructure over the next five years. This investment is projected to generate $43 billion in national economic value and create more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    About Gilead Sciences

    Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, and inflammation. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, Calif.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the impact of the agreement with the U.S. government and the Direct-to-Patient Program on Gilead’s business, operations and financial condition and results; risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the agreement with the U.S. government and the Direct-to-Patient Program, including that patient access and other expected benefits will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time periods; the uncertainties inherent in research and development; the uncertainties inherent in business and financial planning, including, without limitation, risks related to Gilead’s business and prospects, manufacturing expansion and capabilities, adverse developments in Gilead’s markets or adverse developments in the U.S. or global capital markets, credit markets, regulatory environment or economies generally; risks and uncertainties related to issued or future executive orders or other new, or changes in, laws or regulations; and competitive developments; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. These and other risks, uncertainties and factors are described in detail in Gilead’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Gilead, and Gilead assumes no obligation and disclaims any intent to update any such forward-looking statements.

    Epclusa® is a trademark of Gilead Sciences, Inc. or its related companies and the full prescribing information is available at https://www.gilead.com/medicines.

    Gilead and the Gilead logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

    For more information about Gilead, please visit the company’s website at www.gilead.com, follow Gilead on X/Twitter (@Gilead Sciences) and LinkedIn (@Gilead-Sciences).


    Source: Gilead Sciences, Inc.

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  • Bristol Myers Squibb Announces Agreement with U.S. Government to Improve Affordability and Access to Critical Medicines for Americans – Bristol Myers Squibb

    1. Bristol Myers Squibb Announces Agreement with U.S. Government to Improve Affordability and Access to Critical Medicines for Americans  Bristol Myers Squibb
    2. Bristol Myers Squibb to provide Eliquis free to Medicaid starting 2026 By Investing.com  Investing.com South Africa
    3. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) Joins New Deal to Lower Drug Prices i  GuruFocus

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  • Charlotte Small Business Ecosystem Report Launches Action Plan

    Charlotte Small Business Ecosystem Report Launches Action Plan


    Published on December 19, 2025

    Survey identifies key strengths, gaps in support for local entrepreneurs.

    A recently completed assessment of Charlotte’s small business ecosystem is already helping to shape how small businesses access resources, capital and long-term growth opportunities.

    The Charlotte Small Business Ecosystem Assessment, completed in November, drew on extensive community engagement to capture a comprehensive view of the local small business landscape in Charlotte. The report included input from 860 small business survey respondents; more than 40 virtual and in-person focus groups with entrepreneurs, business support organizations and community partners; and interviews and discussions with city staff and City Council members.

    The findings offer fresh insight into the current state of Charlotte’s small business environment, including what’s working and where gaps remain. The work was led by TPMA, a national workforce and economic development consulting firm, in partnership with Charlotte Economic Development.

    “Now that we have the results, there’s a big opportunity to turn those findings into lasting impact,” said Christi Floyd, senior manager in Charlotte Economic Development. “This work will help us better align our support structures to ensure that businesses in Charlotte don’t just survive but thrive.”

    This fall, the study moved into the implementation phase — with Charlotte Economic Development engaging stakeholders through workshops, focus groups and community outreach. These conversations will inform a long-term action plan aimed at improving access and resilience across Charlotte’s small business ecosystem. The implementation plan, expected to be presented to city leadership in early 2026, will guide how the city aligns its investments, programs and partnerships to directly address the needs revealed in the survey.

    Survey Findings

    The survey results identify several existing strengths in the ecosystem:

    • The city’s Corridors of Opportunity program, which invests in six under-resourced communities.

    • A strong network of mission-driven support organizations aiding entrepreneurs and small business owners. The city’s business resource network includes more than 50 active partners.

    • City-backed initiatives that increase access and opportunity for businesses, including AMP Up, a business growth program.

    • High satisfaction with available support — 90% of respondents who accessed services said they were at least “somewhat useful.”

    The results also identify areas for improvement, including:

    • Stronger linkages with major employers and anchor institutions.

    • Improved access to capital, with more than half of respondents (54%) struggling to identify appropriate funding sources.

    • A need to expand venture capital availability to remain competitive with peer cities.

    • More intentional trust-building between small businesses and institutional partners.

    • Targeted strategies to close equity gaps for underrepresented business owners.

    Floyd mentioned that the assessment is already shaping new initiatives such as the recently announced Small Business Readiness program. The program, part of the Skilled to Build initiative expected to begin in late fall 2026, will provide training and resources to prepare businesses to bid and compete for city-led contracts tied to the one-cent sales tax approved in November.

    Small Business Reports

    The project is funded through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. This is one of two recent city-supported studies on entrepreneurship. In April, Innovation Charlotte released the 2024 Charlotte Startup Ecosystem Report (CSER24), an analysis of the city’s progress in building a thriving startup ecosystem.

    You can view the Small Business Ecosystem Assessment reports as well as updates on the initiative by visiting the Charlotte Small Business Ecosystem Assessment webpage.


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  • Inverness long-term care workers vote to strike

    Inverness long-term care workers vote to strike

    Long-term care workers at Inverary Manor, represented by CUPE 1485, voted 100% in favour of a strike mandate last week.

    “We’ve reached a breaking point,” admitted CUPE 1485 President Ashton Brown, “and that can be seen across the province. Long-term care workers are overworked and underpaid and when we ask for help, or for recognition of the vital work we do, the government’s response is to offer us almost nothing at the bargaining table.”

    Nearly 30 CUPE long-term care locals across the province have taken positive strike votes in the last 2 months, echoing each other’s calls for improved wages and recruitment and retention initiatives. Recently, the Minister Adams was quoted as praising the Houston government’s offers of free tuition for Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) and the building of additional beds, however the union maintains that these steps alone won’t fix the current issues facing long-term care.

    “Offering free tuition is great, but CCAs don’t just work in long-term care, and the fact is people don’t choose to stay in the sector anymore. It feels like we’ve been shouting this from the rooftops for years now. Long-term care pays poorly and is chronically understaffed, so people move on to other sectors. Recruitment isn’t an issue because people aren’t qualified; it’s an issue because people don’t want to work for nothing,” explained CUPE Long-term Care Coordinator Tammy Martin. “Minister Adams can brag about adding beds and cutting tuition costs for one of many jobs essential to long-term care, but as long as the pay continues to be below the living wage, the long-term care sector will struggle.”

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  • Undeclared sulphur dioxide and incorrectly declared milk in Le Paysan 4 Pate Gift Pack

    Undeclared sulphur dioxide and incorrectly declared milk in Le Paysan 4 Pate Gift Pack


    Undeclared sulphur dioxide and incorrectly declared milk in specific batches of Le Paysan 4 Pate Gift Pack


    Friday, 19 December 2025









    Alert Summary
    Allergy Alert Notification: 2025.A47 Update 1
    Allergen(s): Sulphur dioxide and sulphites, milk
    Product Identification: Please see table below for product details.
    Batch Code Please see table below for batch codes and use-by dates.
    Country Of Origin: Ireland


    Message:
    Further to food allergen alert 2025.A47, the recall has been extended to cover specific batches of Le Paysan 4 Pate Gift Packs. The gift packs contain Le Paysan Smoked Mackerel Pate and Le Paysan Smoked Salmon Pate. 

    The below batches of Le Paysan 4 Pate Gift Packs contain sulphur dioxide which is not declared in the list of ingredients. Milk is also not emphasised in the ingredients list. This may make the batches unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of sulphur dioxide and/or milk and therefore, these consumers should not eat the implicated batches. The affected batches are being recalled. 

     





















    Product name Batch code Use-by date
    Le Paysan 4 Pate Gift Pack 25273-04 21/01/2026
    25266-04 29/01/2026
    25245-04 01/02/2026
    25245-05 01/02/2026
    25281-01  08/02/2026
    25283-01 09/02/2026
    25259-06 15/02/2026
    25295-03  20/02/2026
    25295-04  20/02/2026
    25300-03 27/02/2026
    25315-05 17/03/2026
    25322-01 11/03/2026
    25332-01 17/03/2026
    25332-02 17/03/2026
    25337-02  27/03/2026
    25340-02  04/04/2026
    25344-03 08/04/2026















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  • The Loan Closet of Howard County

    The Loan Closet of Howard County

    Receiving Equipment

    The Loan Closet of Howard County is a Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use program. Many residents of our county require the use of durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, and other assistive devices, in order to maintain their safety and mobility either on a short term or long term basis. Often the cost of this equipment is a financial burden, not only to uninsured residents, but also to insured residents whose insurance will not approve the equipment needed or whose approval is delayed. We provide DME to Howard County residents with any injury, illness, or medical status, regardless of age, at no cost.

    1. ​Step 1: The Referring Provider (MD, PT, OT, DO, PA, or CRNP only) assesses the need for DME & obtains a Healthcare Referral Form. The Healthcare referral form is necessary to ensure that the client is safe & able to use the prescribed equipment.
    2. Step 2: The Referring Provider fills out the Provider Information section, checks off the equipment they are recommending for the client & signs the form. The Client Information section can be filled out by the Referring Provider or the Client/Caregiver.
    3. Step 3: Once all sections of the Healthcare Referral Form are completed, the form should be submitted (by either party) to our program via fax: 410-313-0369 or email: loancloset@howardcountymd.gov  
    4. Step 4: Once the Loan Closet receives the completed Healthcare Referral form, we will contact the client/caregiver via the phone number provided. If the equipment is in stock, a pick-up appointment will be scheduled. The appointment ensures that the Loan Closet Staff can verify that the requested equipment is in stock, cleaned & ready to distributed by the scheduled pick-up time. Note: If the pick-up appointment needs to be scheduled with a party other than the Client, please put their name & phone number in Section 4(Person Picking Up Equipment).
    • Equipment Flow Chart Graphic

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  • Health Canada Opens Formal Consultations on Red Tape Reduction Initiatives to Improve Access to Drugs

    Health Canada Opens Formal Consultations on Red Tape Reduction Initiatives to Improve Access to Drugs

    December 19, 2025 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

    Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announces the launch of consultations for two regulatory initiatives, marking progress in Health Canada’s efforts to reduce red tape. These proposals, the Ministerial Reliance Order and regulations for Clinical Trial modernization are expected to reduce barriers to innovation, introduce new ways of conducting clinical trials and provide better access to drugs not available in Canada.

    The Ministerial Reliance Order will allow Health Canada to review certain parts of a drug submission more efficiently by leveraging decisions made by other trusted regulators without compromising quality, efficacy, and safety. These changes build on Health Canada’s long history of cooperation with its international counterparts and will support greater and faster access to drugs in Canada.

    Health Canada is also proposing a new regulatory framework for clinical trials for drugs that would build on the success of the existing clinical trials framework and further facilitate participant access, support innovation and enhance participant safety. This approach will provide Canadians with access to a wider range of products that could have significant health and economic benefits, including by providing quicker access to new therapies.

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  • Silver climbs to record high, gold posts weekly gain on rate cut bets – Reuters

    1. Silver climbs to record high, gold posts weekly gain on rate cut bets  Reuters
    2. Silver Price Outlook – Silver Continues to Look Strong  FXEmpire
    3. Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD bounces off 100-hour SMA; sticks to gains near $62.50  FXStreet
    4. From Weddings to Savings: Silver gains ground in Kashmir as prices soar  Greater Kashmir
    5. Silver Price Today at 9:34 (Dec 19, 2025): XAG/USD Near $66 as Softer US Inflation Keeps Fed Cut Bets Alive  ts2.tech

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  • CUPE members sound the alarm on significant payroll issues at Iler Lodge

    CUPE members sound the alarm on significant payroll issues at Iler Lodge

    Workers at the Extendicare-run Iler Lodge are sounding the alarm after months of issues with the new payroll system has left some dreading the holidays. The roughly 140 members of CUPE 1370 have filed three grievances and have been trying to work with management to resolve issues caused by a new payroll system that the long-term care facility rolled out earlier this year.

    Every pay period brings up new issues, from unpaid top-ups for PSWs and nursing staff, to issues with the vacation and time off allotments.

    CUPE has been working with management to correct the issues with they pay system since May, but the issues have persisted in the Essex home. Similar issues also occurred in other Extendicare facilities in the province, but in Essex the issues persist. The members show up every day to provide continuity of care and service to the community, and the employer has been taking advantage of their compassion by failing to show the same respect and commitment in paying employees accurately and on time.

    “These are members who are already marginalized, already working multiple jobs to cover their bills,” said Suanne Hawkins, National Representative for local 1370. “Something must be done.”

    The union is preparing to escalate if the situation is not resolved soon.

    Members of CUPE 1370 want to share their experiences to shine a light on the issues they are facing in the hopes that management will take the initiative to fix the errors in the system and ensure that these pay issues stop.

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  • FTC Approves Modifications to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Enforcement Rule

    FTC Approves Modifications to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Enforcement Rule

    The Federal Trade Commission issued an order approving a proposed modification from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to its Enforcement Rule. The modification includes new requirements for the Authority to seek Commission approval to issue a subpoena or commence a civil action under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.

    The Act requires the Authority to submit proposed rules and any modifications to those rules to the FTC for approval. The Act requires that the FTC, after providing an opportunity for public comment, approve submitted rules if it finds that they are “consistent with” the Act and the FTC’s rules.

    Following a public comment period, the FTC voted 2-0 to approve the Enforcement Rule modification. The modification approved by the Commission and announced today will take effect on January 18, 2026.

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