STAT+: Pharmalittle: We're reading about Trump tariffs on drugs, a delayed Merck vaccine court trial, and more

Hello, everyone, and how are you today? We are doing just fine, thank you, especially since the middle of the week is upon us. After all, we have made it this far so we are determined to hang on for another couple of days. And why not? The alternatives — at least those we can identify — are not particularly appetizing, as you might imagine. So what better way to make the time fly than to keep busy. So grab that cup of stimulation and get started. Our choice today is Jack Daniels. Yes, this option really exists. So here’s to your health. Meanwhile, the time has come to get cracking. Here are a few items of interest to help you get started. We hope you have a lovely day, and do keep in touch. Tips are always welcome. …

President Trump intends to impose auto tariffs “in the neighborhood of 25%” and similar duties on semiconductors and pharmaceutical imports, the latest in a series of measures threatening to upend international trade, Reuters says. Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida that sectoral tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductor chips would also start at “25% or higher,” rising substantially over the course of a year. But he did not provide a date for announcing those duties and said he wanted to provide some time for drug and chip makers to set up U.S. factories so that they can avoid tariffs. Trump said he expected some of the biggest companies in the world to announce new investments in the U.S. in the next couple of weeks. He provided no further details. Since his inauguration four weeks ago, Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on all imports from China, on top of existing levies, over China’s failure to halt fentanyl trafficking. He also announced, and then delayed for a month, 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and non-energy imports from Canada.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in his first address to employees of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said a new presidential commission would scrutinize childhood vaccine schedules, psychiatric medications, and other frequent targets of his suspicion as part of his efforts to fight chronic disease, The New York Times informs us. “Nothing is going to be off limits,” Kennedy said during a 22-minute address. He used the moment to also extend an olive branch, urging his new colleagues to set aside the partisanship and vitriol that surrounded his nomination. And Kennedy promised to keep an open mind, continue asking “difficult questions,” and listen to “all the stakeholders” — especially those with whom he has disagreed.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…