• Indiana: According to Eli Lilly, its experimental RNA drug lepodisiran decreased the risk of genetically inherited heart disease by around 94% in a Phase 2 trial. Lepodisiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment that helps lower the production of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a genetically inherited risk factor of heart disease. Around 20% of Americans currently have high levels of Lp(a), which increases their risk of heart diseases. Elevated levels of Lp(a) can significantly increase the risk of a heart attack and have been associated with stroke and heart valve narrowing. "Reducing the inherited cardiovascular risk for patients with high Lp(a) has long been a critically unmet need. These results offer hope for a long-term, durable treatment option," said Ruth Gimeno, group VP of diabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic research at Eli Lilly. "These data underscore Lilly's commitment to advancing genetic medicine to address one of the world's most pressing healthcare challenges. We will continue to evaluate the potential benefits of lepodisiran in the ongoing Phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes trial." (Falzone, The Hill, 4/1; Eli Lilly news release, 3/30)
• Pennsylvania: The University of Pennsylvania Health System, which is part of Penn Medicine, will cut around 300 positions, less than 1% of its workforce. According to a spokesperson, over 100 of the affected positions were either vacant or held by employees planning to retire in the next few months. "Penn Medicine is working to ensure strong financial footing while growing care for more patients across the region amidst continued changes and pressures for the field," the spokesperson said. Details on the types of jobs affected or when the layoffs would go into effect have not yet been provided. The organization has notified impacted employees, however, and said that the changes would not cause a discontinuation of patient services. (Hudson, Modern Healthcare, 3/26)
• West Virginia: Last week, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) signed a new law banning the sale of food products using seven food dyes or two preservatives in the state. The law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2028, also bans schools from using the additives in meals starting fall 2025. "West Virginia ranks at the bottom of many public health metrics, which is why there's no better place to lead the Make America Healthy Again mission," Morrisey said. "By eliminating harmful chemicals from our food, we're taking steps toward improving the health of our residents and protecting our children from significant long-term health and learning challenges." Two other states, California and Virginia, have also banned certain food dyes and additives. California passed legislation in 2023, which will go into effect in 2027, and Virginia signed a law earlier this year, which will also go into effect in 2027. More than half a dozen other U.S. states are considering legislation to ban certain dyes or other additives in food products. (Crisp, The Hill, 3/26)

Learn how cell and gene therapy (CGT) developers can improve their partnerships with providers, particularly during contract negotiations and drug onboarding.