Cell Therapy Setback, Managed Care Shift in Focus

Bristol Myers Squibb ($BMY) has voluntarily paused enrollment in its zola-cel cell therapy trials for autoimmune conditions following inflammatory side effects detected during ongoing safety surveillance. The move raises questions around the risk profile of cell-based therapies in autoimmune diseases and the pace of $BMY's clinical pipeline development. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly ($LLY) subsidiary Centessa Pharmaceuticals achieved a late-stage development milestone associated with its selective orexin receptor 2 agonist portfolio, triggering an $8.6 million payment to Nxera Pharma pursuant to their research collaboration. Amgen ($AMGN) and AstraZeneca reported positive Phase 3 CROSSING results showing TEZSPIRE improved histologic remission and dysphagia symptoms in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, with effects sustained through week 52 and a safety profile broadly consistent with prior use.

UnitedHealthcare, the insurance business of UnitedHealth Group ($UNH), will remove prior authorization requirements for a broad range of healthcare services beginning October 1. The changes will cover areas including cardiology, genetic and laboratory testing, chiropractic care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and orthopedic and musculoskeletal procedures. The policy shift will apply to commercial plans, Medicare and other product lines, representing a significant expansion of patient access without administrative barriers. The move marks a notable departure from industry practice around utilization management controls.

President Donald Trump has secured new drug pricing agreements with nine pharmaceutical companies, with an aim to align the prices of drugs in the U.S. with international prices, bringing the total to 26 companies. The companies include Alcon Inc., Astellas Pharma, BeOne Medicines Ltd., BridgeBio, CSL and others. The expansion of voluntary pricing agreements continues the administration's approach to addressing drug cost concerns through negotiated arrangements rather than statutory price controls. $LLY is among the companies participating in the broader pricing initiative.

Abbott Laboratories ($ABT) settled at $110.47, representing a 1.41% change from its previous close, exceeding market returns in the session. The medical device and diagnostics company continues to attract investor attention amid broader healthcare sector trading. Intuitive Surgical ($ISRG) remains the undisputed leader in robotic surgery, though investors face questions about whether operational excellence justifies the premium valuation in the current market environment.

Amgen ($AMGN) will present at the 2026 Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference at 11:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Thomas Dittrich, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Paul Burton, M.D., Ph.D, senior vice president and chief medical officer, and Kave Niksefat, senior vice president of Global Marketing and Access will present at the conference. Over the past 5 years, $AMGN has returned 134.2%, though current valuation checks send mixed signals as intrinsic value estimates suggest a discount while market-based multiples look closer to fair. The company's pipeline developments around Repatha and TEZSPIRE could support expectations for future cash flows.