We read about a new CVS boss, obesity drugs that reduce ODs

And so another working week will soon come to an end. Not a moment too soon, right? As you may remember, this is our prized signal for dreaming about weekend plans. Our agenda so far has been rather modest. We want to clean up the increasingly green Pharmalot campus, stroll with the official mascots and catch up on our reading. We're also hoping to host another listening party with Ms. Pharmalot, and the rotation will likely include this, this, this, this and this. And what about you? We once again believe there is no better time to enjoy nature. And as the holidays approach, you can head out in search of that great pumpkin or, if you're feeling particularly ambitious and visit the right places, hunt your own turkey. For those who prefer to hang out in Gotham, there are always museums and movie screenings to visit. Or you can hide inside with a good book. Whatever you do, we'll have a great time. But be sure. Have fun and see you soon. …

CVS Health is naming longtime CEO David Joyner as its new chief, succeeding Karen Lynch at the helm of the struggling health care giantwrites the Wall Street Journal. Joyner was president of CVS Caremark, the company's pharmacy benefit manager, and executive vice president of CVS. He is scheduled to take over as president and managing director on Friday. CVS is making the changes after the company repeatedly cut its financial performance forecasts this year, moves that led to a 19% drop in its stock price this year, a major hedge fund pushing for changes and a strategy review the board of directors has made the possibility of dissolving the company. Joyner faces a difficult task. Not only does he have to turn around CVS's Aetna health insurance business, but he also has to deal with the Federal Trade Commission's scrutiny of pharmacy giants like Caremark. CVS has also long faced challenges in the pharmacy retail sector.

Donald Trump has scaled back his ambitious plans to lower US drug prices and repeal the Affordable Care Act, leaving something of a vacuum in his health policy agenda. A former Trump White House official says the policy ideas are there — but implementing them could require difficult battlestells us STAT. Official Joe Grogan said Republicans must repeal or revise the drug pricing law signed by President Biden and the Affordable Care Act's expanded subsidies if Trump takes office. Trump previously proposed tying drug prices in the U.S. to a basket of payments from similarly wealthy countries, but has backed away from that approach. Grogan said that's because Biden's plan, passed in the Inflation Reduction Act, to let Medicare negotiate drug prices directly with drug companies has changed the landscape. As the regulations take effect, premiums have increased, which Grogan said could lead to a “death spiral” in Medicare Part D, the program's prescription drug benefit.