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Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. is a technology company focused on acquiring, holding, and actively managing ETH as its primary treasury reserve asset. It prioritizes digital ecosystem services, such as consultancy and advisory works. The company was founded on August 16, 1995 and is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV.

BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc

Bitmine Immersion Technologies Inc

BMNR is trending as the company reportedly began staking a portion of its significant Ethereum holdings, aiming to generate revenue. However, community discussions are dominated by strong concerns over consistent share dilution, the stock's perceived underperformance against Ethereum, and contentious executive compensation proposals. Many investors are also debating if current price weakness stems from year-end tax loss harvesting impacting digital asset treasury companies.

MARA Holdings, Inc. is a digital asset technology company, which engages in mining cryptocurrencies with a focus on the Bitcoin ecosystem. It also deals with owning and operating bitcoin mining facilities or data centers, selling proprietary software or technology to third parties operating in the Bitcoin ecosystem, offering advisory and consulting services to support Bitcoin mining ventures in domestic and international jurisdictions, and generating electricity from renewable energy resources or methane gas capture to power Bitcoin mining projects. The company was founded on February 23, 2010 and is headquartered in Hallandale Beach, FL.

MARA Holdings Inc.

Marathon Digital Holdings Inc

Marathon Digital (MARA) is generating significant discussion as it experiences new lows, fueling strong bearish sentiment centered on perceived share dilution and management's effectiveness. While many express frustration over its underperformance compared to Bitcoin and other miners, a bullish contingent believes the stock is deeply undervalued given its substantial Bitcoin holdings and a potential strategic pivot into AI/HPC data centers. The community remains sharply divided between those anticipating further declines and others predicting a major short squeeze and rebound, especially after year-end trading activities conclude.

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. operates a telehealth consultation platform. It connects consumers to healthcare professionals, enabling them to access medical care for mental health, sexual health, dermatology and primary care. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

Hims & Hers Health Inc - Ordinary Shares - Class A

Hims & Hers Health Inc

Hims & Hers is trending amidst a persistent downtrend that has frustrated many investors, fueling community discussion around market manipulation and the stock's daily declines. Despite this bearish sentiment, bulls highlight the company's international expansion, AI integration, and a share buyback program as strong long-term catalysts. The market is weighing Hims' direct-to-consumer model and GLP-1 strategy, particularly after the FDA approval of Novo Nordisk's oral weight-loss pill, creating a divide between those seeing a buying opportunity and those questioning its immediate prospects.

SoundHound AI, Inc. engages in the development, owning, and commercialization of voice, sound, and natural language artificial intelligence technologies and related activities. The company was founded on September 2, 2005 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA.

SoundHound AI Inc - Ordinary Shares - Class A

SoundHound AI Inc

SoundHound AI is seeing intense debate following a significant price decline, with market focus now squarely on potential announcements at the upcoming CES 2026. Bulls highlight strong fundamentals, growing revenue, and a substantial contractual backlog, seeing the current dip as a tax-loss selling opportunity amid perceived market manipulation. Conversely, bears are vocal about extensive insider selling and management's perceived lack of transparency regarding major partnerships, raising questions about the company's leadership and long-term prospects within the voice AI sector.

One Stop Systems, Inc. engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of computing modules and systems targeting edge deployments. It deals with the design and manufacture of high-performance customized computer and flash arrays, in-flight entertainment, and connectivity and value-added reseller with minimal customization. It operates through the OSS and OSS Europe segments. The company was founded by Stephen D. Cooper and Mark Gunn in 1998 and is headquartered in Escondido, CA.

One Stop Systems Inc

One Stop Systems is gaining significant attention following a profitable asset sale that notably strengthened its balance sheet and sharpened its focus on core AI/edge compute. The community is actively discussing potential M&A opportunities and holds high anticipation for a substantial US Army contract where OSS is positioned as a sole-source provider. This enthusiasm is further fueled by recent strong earnings that exceeded expectations, with many viewing the company as an undervalued leader in the rapidly growing Edge AI sector.

ESH Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company. It was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company was founded on November 17, 2021 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

ESH Acquisition Corp - Ordinary Shares - Class A

ESHA Acquisition Corp is actively trending amid speculation that it could be the next low-float SPAC to experience significant volatility, drawing comparisons to recent runners like AFJK and ASPC. The community is closely watching its recent extension of the business combination deadline and the proposed merger with The Original Fit Factory, with many debating its potential as a speculative "pump" play. This creates a divided sentiment between those anticipating a surge and others expressing skepticism about the merger's true intent and long-term value.

BYTE is a novel meme token that creatively intertwines the worlds of cryptocurrency and popular culture. Inspired by Grok's answer to "What would you name your dog?", Grok answered, 'Byte.' When Grok was asked who created Byte, it says he was created by the xAI team lead by Elon Musk as a gift to Grok AI to keep him company in the metaverse. BYTE serves as a playful reference to the unit of digital information, as well as a nod to the AI's technological nature. Distinctively, Byte acts as a gateway towards Ai adoption and stands out in the crypto space due to its zero-tax policy, a feature that is increasingly appealing to many investors. Additionally, it upholds the principles of transparency and investor trust by having its liquidity permanently burned and the contract ownership renounced. This ensures that Byte remains a community-driven project, with its fate firmly in the hands of its holders. The combination of a playful theme, generative AI, and a nod to a tech icon makes Byte an intriguing addition to the meme token ecosystem, especially AI related meme coins.  Through pioneering AI this story has grown more and more robust and continues to evolve, Byte pledges its dedication to community efforts and and has consistently appeared in the Top 10 of LunarCrush’s social engagement leaderboards on multiple occasions.

BYTE

BYTE is trending with strong community belief that it represents the future of AI, leveraging a narrative around potentially being Grok's digital companion. Enthusiasts are actively promoting the asset as 'the chosen one,' emphasizing the power of its dedicated community and urging others to 'byte the dip' in anticipation of significant developments. The sentiment suggests a conviction that this 'AI dog' is poised for a major impact in the crypto space.

TransCode Therapeutics, Inc. engages in the development and commercializing of diagnostics and therapeutics for the detection and treatment of cancer. The company was founded by Robert Michael Dudley, Zdravka Medarova, and Anna Moore in January 2016 and is headquartered in Boston, MA.

TransCode Therapeutics Inc

TransCode Therapeutics (RNAZ) is trending following news of its acquisition of Polynoma and a significant strategic financing from CK Life Sciences, aimed at advancing its oncology pipeline. The community is actively discussing the associated Contingent Value Rights (CVR) distribution for existing shareholders, the company's low public float, and upcoming clinical data presentations at an industry conference, with many hoping for a significant market re-rating.

Shopify, Inc. is a global commerce company that provides essential internet infrastructure for commerce, offering trusted tools to start, scale, market, and run a retail business of any size. The Company's software enables merchants to run their business across all of their sales channels, including web and mobile storefronts, physical retail locations, social media storefronts and marketplaces. The Shopify platform provides merchants with a single view of their business across all of their sales channels and enables them to manage products and inventory, process orders and payments, fulfill and ship orders, build customer relationships, source products, leverage analytics and reporting and access financing, all from one integrated back office. The company was founded on September 28, 2004 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.

Shopify Inc - Ordinary Shares - Class A (Sub Voting)

Shopify Inc

Shopify is trending after delivering a strong earnings report with robust revenue growth and a positive outlook for the crucial holiday shopping season, yet the stock saw an initial pullback, sparking active debate among investors. Community members are divided, with many advocating to "buy the dip" citing record merchant sales and strategic AI integrations, while others remain cautious, contributing to heightened volatility and discussions around its market valuation.

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. engages in the development and commercialization of therapies for high unmet medical needs. The firm intends to treat schizophrenia, jet lag disorder, atopic dermatitis, central nervous system disorders, and circadian rhythm sleep disorder. Its product portfolio includes HETLIOZ, Fanapt, Tradipitant, Trichostatin, and AQW051. The company was founded by Mihael Hristos Polymeropoulos and Argeris N. Karabelas in 2002 and is headquartered in Washington, DC.

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc

Vanda Pharmaceuticals is trending amidst high anticipation for key regulatory decisions, particularly an upcoming FDA review for tradipitant and positive data on its application for GLP-1 induced nausea. The community is actively discussing the potential for these milestones to significantly re-rate the stock, emphasizing its strong financial position and an improved collaborative framework with regulators. Many perceive VNDA as currently undervalued, poised for substantial growth as its diverse pipeline targets significant market opportunities.

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<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>MFN pricing extended nationwide through Medicaid and to future new medicines.</li><li>Steep direct-to-patient discounts rolled out via TrumpRx, including $35 insulin.</li><li>Additional pharma companies, including Johnson &amp; Johnson, are expected to ink similar deals next week.</li></ul>U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday announced nine new agreements with pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices for Americans to the lowest levels paid in other developed nations, under what the administration calls a “most-favored-nation” (MFN) pricing framework.With these additions, 14 of the 17 pharmaceutical companies targeted by the administration in August have now signed on.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Big Pharma Roster Expands</h2>The companies named in Friday’s agreements are Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, GSK, Merck, Novartis and Sanofi.Trump said additional companies, including Johnson &amp; Johnson, are expected to announce similar agreements next week, as the administration continues to expand the program.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Medicaid Savings And Future Drug Pricing</h2>The White House said the agreements apply to drugs used to treat an array of expensive, long-term conditions including type two diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hepatitis B and C, HIV and certain cancers.The administration said every state Medicaid program in the U.S. will benefit from MFN prices on products from the nine companies, which it estimates will save billions of dollars. The agreements also require MFN pricing for all new innovative medicines these companies bring to market.Trump also floated the idea of calling a meeting with insurance companies to discuss further ways to lower healthcare costs, suggesting insurers could significantly reduce prices or face alternative approaches that would direct savings to consumers.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Deep Discounts Via TrumpRx</h2>The administration said the companies are required to offer medicines at steep discounts off list prices when selling directly to American patients through TrumpRx, a government-backed direct-to-patient drug purchasing platform.The administration said patients would see steep price cuts, citing examples such as Amgen’s Repatha at $239 versus&nbsp;list price of $573, Bristol Myers Squibb’s Reyataz at $217 versus $1,449, and Sanofi’s Plavix at $16 versus $756, alongside similar reductions for drugs from Gilead, GSK, Merck and Novartis. The administration also said Sanofi will list its insulin products on TrumpRx at $35&nbsp;for every&nbsp;month’s supply.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Drugmakers Pledge Domestic Investment</h2>Trump said the participating companies have committed to invest at least $150 billion collectively in U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing in the near term.The administration also said several companies will donate active pharmaceutical ingredients to the Strategic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Reserve to strengthen emergency preparedness. GSK will contribute 98.8 kg of Albuterol, Bristol Myers Squibb will contribute tablets representing 6.5 tons of Apixaban, and Merck will contribute 3.5 tons of Ertapenem.<h2 class="st-heading-2">How Did Stocktwits React?</h2>On Stocktwits, Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) showed 'bearish' retail sentiment amid 'high' message volume, while iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) saw 'bullish' sentiment with 'high' activity.<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/XLV">XLV</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/IXJ">IXJ</a> have risen 14% so far this year.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Trump announced his plan to lower drug prices would tie their cost to drug prices paid in foreign nations. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Trump Locks In Drug-Price Cuts With Roche, Novartis, Merck — More Big Pharma Deals Coming Next Week

The deals expand the pricing program to several drugmakers in exchange for temporary tariff relief.

Equity

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>The Trump administration is preparing a Section 301 investigation to assess whether U.S. trading partners underpay for prescription drugs, a move that could pave the way for new tariffs.</li><li>Earlier this month, the White House confirmed generic drugs would be excluded from potential duties, reversing earlier discussions under the Section 232 national security review.</li><li>The probe expands Trump’s broader effort to pressure pharmaceutical companies and foreign governments to “equalize” drug prices globally.</li></ul>President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly is stepping up pressure on U.S. trading partners over drug costs, preparing a Section 301 investigation under the Trade Act of 1974 to determine whether countries are underpaying for prescription medicines.The move could pave the way for new tariffs and marks a renewed escalation in Trump’s campaign to “equalize” drug prices globally, according to a Financial Times&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ft.com/content/bce66d6e-57f7-40a2-8225-06a8f50ff657">report</a>, citing three people familiar with the matter.Trump has long argued Americans pay disproportionately high prices for the same drugs sold abroad, citing last week that “in London, you’d buy a certain drug for $130 … and in New York, you pay $1,300 for the same thing.”&nbsp;U.S. drug prices average nearly three times higher than in other developed economies, according to the Rand Corporation. Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, for instance, costs about $936 per month in the U.S., versus $147 in Canada and $83 in France, KFF data show.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Generic Drugs Excluded From Tariff Plans</h2>Earlier this month, the White House<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/trump-walks-back-generic-drug-tariffs-after-white-house-clash-over-prices-supply-risks/ch67JdhR30E"> said it isn’t planning tariffs on generic drugs</a>, narrowing the scope of its trade actions. Officials had been weighing such duties under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which permits tariffs on national security grounds.White House spokesman Kush Desai said the administration “is not actively discussing imposing Section 232 tariffs against generic pharmaceuticals.” The Commerce Department also said such tariffs were unlikely, marking a reversal from Trump’s 2023 campaign pledge to restore domestic production of all essential medicines.Advisers, including members of the Domestic Policy Council and health aide Theo Merkel, warned tariffs on generics could raise prices and cause shortages, given that India supplies nearly half of U.S. generic drugs. Commerce officials, however, continue to explore quotas or incentives to rebuild U.S. drug manufacturing capacity.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Broader Pharma Trade Push&nbsp;</h2>The Section 301 move expands Trump’s broader effort to tie drug pricing policy to trade leverage. Earlier this year, he demanded that pharmaceutical companies offer the U.S. their best global price or face penalties.Major firms, including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and Eli Lilly, have all held pricing talks with the White House. Trump previously reached a deal with the EU to cap drug import tariffs at 15% and is negotiating with the U.K. for lower duties in exchange for higher payments to drugmakers.While Trump last month threatened 100% tariffs on branded drugs to force companies to expand U.S. manufacturing, those measures have yet to materialize. Officials said firms will be given time to invest domestically and demonstrate pricing reforms.Desai said the White House is pursuing a “multi-faceted approach” that could include federal grants or loans, potentially with funding from foreign partners like Japan, to strengthen U.S. drug supply chains and reduce dependence on imports.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Stocktwits Traders See Muted Interest For Healthcare ETFs</h2>On Stocktwits, retail sentiment toward the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) was ‘bearish’ and toward the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) was ‘neutral,’ both amid ‘low’ message volume.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/XLV">XLV</a> is up 7%, while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/IXJ">IXJ</a> has gained 9%.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

U.S. President Donald Trump answers questions after making an announcement on “significant medical and scientific findings for America’s children” in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on September 22, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Trump Steps Up Pressure On Trading Partners Over Drug Costs, Plans Section 301 Review: Report

The probe expands Trump’s broader effort to pressure pharmaceutical companies and foreign governments to “equalize” drug prices globally.

 If the AI Bubble Bursts, Here Are Some Defensive ETFs to Consider 

As AI-fueled gains spark bubble warnings, investors are eyeing defensive ETFs in consumer staples, utilities and healthcare for safety. 

The Trump administration said it isn’t planning to impose tariffs on generic drugs, easing months of debate over levies on most U.S.-dispensed medicines.Officials have been weighing the duties under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows tariffs tied to national security concerns. Trump had earlier proposed 100% tariffs on name-brand drugs starting Oct. 1 but excluded generics and later delayed the move for further talks, The Wall Street Journal&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wsj.com/health/pharma/trump-generic-prescription-drug-tariffs-3029e024?mod=hp_lead_pos2">reported</a>.“The administration is not actively discussing imposing Section 232 tariffs against generic pharmaceuticals,” said White House spokesman Kush Desai. The Commerce Department, which is leading the investigation, also stated that tariffs on generics aren’t expected.The decision, which could still change, narrows the Commerce Department’s investigation that initially covered both branded and generic drugs. It marks a reversal of Trump’s 2023 campaign pledge to restore U.S. production of all essential medicines.Opponents within the administration, including members of the Domestic Policy Council and healthcare adviser Theo Merkel, reportedly warned that tariffs on generics could raise prices and cause shortages. They argued that low-cost production in countries like India, which is the source of nearly half of U.S. generics, would make tariffs ineffective.Meanwhile, Commerce Department officials have called for tariffs or quotas to stimulate domestic manufacturing and cut dependence on foreign suppliers in the wake of pandemic-era supply chain disruptions. Protectionists have also described foreign reliance on generics as a national security vulnerability and argued that tariffs, combined with government assistance, could make U.S. production profitable.Desai said there was “no daylight or disagreement” between the White House and Commerce Department on the issue.The debate underscores Trump’s challenge in reshoring industries deemed vital to national security. While the administration wants to spur U.S. output of antibiotics and other everyday drugs, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer recently said officials are still assessing how best to apply “economic tools” to generics, which are mostly tariff-free.The decision could anger GOP protectionists such as Sen. Rick Scott, who urged tariffs on both branded and generic drugs. Meanwhile, officials are reportedly exploring executive actions such as federal grants or loans to boost domestic generic-drug manufacturing, potentially funded by money from foreign partners like Japan under recent tariff agreements.Desai said the administration is pursuing “a nuanced and multi-faceted approach to onshore manufacturing of generic pharmaceuticals” to avoid future dependence like that seen during the Covid era.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) was ‘extremely bullish’, while sentiment for the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) was ‘bullish’, with both seeing ‘high’ message volume.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/XLV">XLV</a> is up 6.4% so far this year, while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/IXJ">IXJ</a> has gained 8.5%.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

U.S. President Donald Trump announces a deal with Pfizer to lower Medicaid drug prices in the Oval Office of the White House on September 30, 2025.  (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Trump Walks Back Plan To Slap Tariffs On Generic Drugs After White House Clash Over Prices, Supply Risks: Report

The administration is now exploring alternative measures, such as federal grants or loans, to encourage the domestic production of critical generic drugs, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, including India.

Unlocking Cures: How AI is Reshaping Cancer Research & Healthcare ETFs?

AI's growing role in cancer research, and a new federal push for pediatric oncology, are powering gains in key healthcare ETFs. 

U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign pollster reportedly briefed Republican congressional staff on Wednesday about survey results showing strong bipartisan support for routine childhood vaccines, even among Trump supporters.The Fabrizio Ward poll found deep partisan divisions over COVID-19 shots, but broad backing for measles and hepatitis B immunizations, Bloomberg&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-04/trump-pollster-briefed-republicans-on-support-for-vaccines">reported</a>, citing people familiar with the meeting.&nbsp;Just 22% of surveyed Trump voters said the COVID-19 vaccine was important, compared with 77% for measles and 69% for hepatitis B. By contrast, at least 90% of Kamala Harris supporters backed all three vaccines.&nbsp;The national poll of 1,000 voters, dated Aug. 26, did not specify its sponsor.The briefing came one day before Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/cdc-turmoil-escalates-kennedy-to-testify-in-senate-after-director-fired-senior-officials-quit/chtRCdURdZ4">scheduled to testify</a> before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday on Trump’s healthcare agenda.&nbsp;Chairman Mike Crapo said the hearing will review the department’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiatives to date and future plans.Kennedy faces mounting criticism over his overhaul of federal vaccine policy, including the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez and dismissal of the entire CDC vaccine advisory panel.&nbsp;More than 20 medical groups and over 1,000 current and former HHS employees have called on him to resign, while California, Oregon and Washington have formed a new health alliance to issue independent vaccine recommendations.&nbsp;He is now apparently weighing seven new members for the reconstituted CDC vaccine panel, which is expected to vote on hepatitis B and other shots later this month.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) was described as ‘extremely bearish’ with ‘low’ message volume, while sentiment for the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) was ‘neutral’ with ‘normal’ message volume.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/XLV">XLV</a> is up 0.4% while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/IXJ">IXJ</a> has gained 2.8%.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

So far this year, XLV is up 0.4% while IXJ has gained 2.8%. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Trump Pollster Quietly Tells Republicans: Voters Still Trust Childhood Vaccines, Doubt COVID Shots

The Fabrizio Ward survey of 1,000 voters found 77% of Trump supporters back measles shots and 69% support hepatitis B, while at least 90% of Kamala Harris voters backed all three vaccines.

More than 20 health groups and medical associations urged U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign on Wednesday, warning that his sweeping changes to vaccine policy and recent moves at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) threaten decades of medical progress.The joint statement followed criticism from multiple former CDC directors under both Republican and Democratic administrations, who said Kennedy’s actions, which culminated in&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/cdc-chief-susan-monarez-pushed-out-after-weeks-on-job-as-rfk-jr-overhauls-agency-she-s-fighting-back/chsCsP4Rdli">last week’s firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez</a>, are putting public health at risk, Reuters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/medical-groups-call-us-health-secretary-kennedy-step-down-2025-09-03/">reported</a>.“Our country needs leadership that will promote open, honest dialogue, not disregard decades of lifesaving science, spread misinformation, reverse medical progress and decimate programs that keep us safe,” the groups said. “We are gravely concerned that American people will needlessly suffer and die as a result of policies that turn away from sound interventions.”The letter was signed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology, the American Public Health Association and the American Association of Immunologists.&nbsp;Over 1,000 current and former employees of the Health and Human Services Department sent an open letter demanding that Kennedy either resign or be fired.State-Level ResponsesAmid the federal shake-up, states have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/california-oregon-washington-form-health-alliance-amid-federal-vaccine-tensions-2025-09-03/">begun to chart their own paths</a> on immunization policy. California, Oregon and Washington on Wednesday announced the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance, which will issue unified vaccine recommendations guided by national medical associations, even if they diverge from federal guidance.An alternative standard to the one set by the federal government could cause confusion among providers and patients, health experts warned, but state officials said they acted to prevent disruption to fall vaccination campaigns.&nbsp;Erica Pan, California’s state public health officer, said, “The dismantling of public health and dismissal of experienced and respected health leaders and advisors, along with the lack of using science, data and evidence to improve our nation’s health, are placing lives at risk.”Meanwhile, Florida announced plans to end all state vaccine mandates, including requirements for schoolchildren, marking another sign of growing divisions over immunization policy across the country.A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services sought to reassure providers, saying: “ACIP remains the scientific body guiding immunization recommendations in this country, and HHS will ensure policy is based on rigorous evidence and Gold Standard Science, not the failed politics of the pandemic.”Policy Overhaul And FiringsSince taking office, Kennedy has withdrawn federal recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women and healthy children, and in June, he dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s expert vaccine advisory panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), replacing them with hand-picked advisers, including fellow vaccine skeptics. The move raised concerns over compromising the panel’s independence.Monarez, who was sworn in less than a month before her dismissal, said through a spokesperson that she was asked to rubber-stamp policy changes and resisted. Her firing triggered the resignation of four top CDC officials, citing pressure to support anti-vaccine positions advanced by Kennedy.In a social media post on Wednesday, Kennedy defended his decisions, saying his mission was “to restore the CDC’s focus on infectious disease” and “rebuild trust through transparency and competence.”New ACIP PanelKennedy has reportedly selected seven new members for the ACIP, which advises on vaccine use after FDA approval and whose recommendations shape insurance coverage, Reuters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/kennedy-picks-seven-new-members-us-cdc-vaccine-panel-document-shows-2025-09-04/">reported</a>, citing an internal CDC document.Among the names listed is Raymond Pollak, a semi-retired transplant surgeon with a background in immunology, who confirmed he is under consideration. Others include Joseph Fraiman, an emergency medicine specialist; John Gaitanis, a pediatric neurologist; Catherine Stein, an epidemiology professor; Hillary Blackburn, a pharmacist; Evelyn Griffin, an obstetrician-gynecologist; and Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist.The group is expected to convene on Sept. 18, with votes scheduled on vaccines for hepatitis B, measles-mumps-rubella-varicella, and respiratory syncytial virus, according to the Federal Register.&nbsp;Normally, the CDC director has final approval of ACIP recommendations, but Monarez’s removal leaves that process uncertain.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) was described as ‘extremely bearish’ with ‘low’ message volume, while sentiment for the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) was ‘neutral’ with ‘normal’ message volume.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/XLV">XLV</a> is up 0.4% while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/IXJ">IXJ</a> has gained 2.8%.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a cabinet meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on August 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

CDC In Crisis: Kennedy Pressured To Quit As States Revolt Over Vaccine Board Shake-Up

Medical groups and more than 1,000 health officials have urged Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign, warning his vaccine policies are putting public health at risk. 

A White House decision on the results of its national security probe into pharmaceutical imports and planned sector-specific U.S. tariffs is reportedly weeks away, later than initially expected, as the White House focuses on other priorities.Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in April&nbsp;that the review, launched under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, would conclude between mid-May and mid-June, Reuters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-pharma-tariffs-likely-weeks-away-trump-plans-alaska-sources-say-2025-08-13/">reported</a>, citing four sources familiar with the matter.The investigation covers imports ranging from finished prescription drugs to active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other raw materials, and will form the basis for tariffs that President Donald Trump has said&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/trump-plans-gradual-tariff-hike-on-imported-pharma-to-250-over-18-months-to-boost-us-production/chr1KgrRd2x">could start small and rise to 250</a>%.The delay follows repeated extensions, with Lutnick most recently projecting a completion in mid-August.&nbsp;An announcement before the end of August is reportedly unlikely, with the administration expected to release findings from a separate semiconductor probe first. The U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska on Friday is likely another reason for no immediate action.The pharmaceutical sector has so far been exempt from sweeping Trump-era tariffs but could face new duties unless covered by bilateral trade deals the U.S. has reached with the UK, Japan, South Korea and the European Union, which promise more favorable terms.Trump has said the plan would phase in tariffs to give drugmakers time to shift their manufacturing to the U.S.&nbsp;However, drugmakers have warned that such duties could raise costs and undercut efforts to lower drug prices.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) was 'neutral' amid 'low' message volume, while sentiment for the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) was 'bearish' with 'extremely low' activity.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/XLV">XLV</a>&nbsp;has fallen 2.3%, while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/IXJ">IXJ</a>&nbsp;has edged up&nbsp;0.2%.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

U.S. President Donald Trump awaits the arrival of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the White House. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Trump’s Big Pharma Tariff Call Delayed Again As White House Juggles Trade Battles And Diplomatic Showdowns: Report

The administration is expected to release findings from a separate semiconductor investigation first, with other high-profile events also contributing to the delay.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the U.S. would begin imposing a “small tariff” on pharmaceutical imports, with plans to raise it to 150% within 18 months and ultimately to 250%, in an&nbsp;effort to&nbsp;encourage drugmakers to manufacture domestically.&nbsp;While he did not specify the initial rate, he said the increases would&nbsp;be implemented over time. “In one year, one and a half years maximum, it's going to go to 150% and then it's going to go to 250%,” Reuters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-initially-impose-small-tariff-pharma-imports-trump-says-2025-08-05/">reported</a>, citing a CNBC interview.The comments follow&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/trump-threatens-200-tariffs-on-drug-imports-says-big-pharma-will-get-some-time-to-get-their-act-together/chFUKjPR5h7">earlier threats from Trump in July</a>, when he told a Cabinet meeting that tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could rise as high as 200%, though implementation would be delayed by up to 18 months to allow companies time to relocate manufacturing to the U.S.&nbsp;At the time, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that final tariff details would be released&nbsp;after the completion of ongoing national security reviews on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.On Tuesday, Trump also said tariffs on semiconductors and chips will be announced in the “next week or so,” without providing further details. Both sectors remain under investigation as part of a Section 232 national security probe launched in April.Several major pharmaceutical companies have already responded to the tariff push with investment pledges&nbsp;in the U.S. AstraZeneca recently committed $50 billion to expand its American footprint, while Eli Lilly, Johnson &amp; Johnson, and AbbVie have also ramped up domestic operations.Industry groups, however, have pushed back. In July, PhRMA, the sector’s main lobbying group, reiterated its opposition to the tariff plan.&nbsp;“Every dollar spent on tariffs is a dollar that cannot be invested in American manufacturing or the development of future treatments and cures,” said Alex Schriver, PhRMA’s senior vice president of public affairs. He called the policy “counterproductive,” citing long-standing exemptions for medicines due to risks of shortages and cost inflation.Under a current framework agreement between the U.S. and&nbsp;the EU, tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors are set at zero; however, any hikes following an import investigation would be capped at 15%.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment toward the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/XLV">Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV)</a> was 'bullish' with 'high' message volume, while sentiment for the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/IXJ">iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ)</a> was 'neutral' amid 'low' message volume.While XLV has declined 3.7% so far this year, IXJ fell 1.9% over the same period.&nbsp;For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

U.S. President Donald Trump is visiting his Trump Turnberry golf course, as well as Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Trump Plans Gradual Tariff Hike On Imported Pharma To 250% Over 18 Months To Boost US Production

Several drugmakers, including AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly, have already pledged major investments in U.S. manufacturing.

Shares of Moderna (MRNA), Pfizer (PFE), and Sanofi (SNY) drew increased attention on Tuesday as traders reacted to the U.S. government’s move to halt future mRNA vaccine development under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).&nbsp;Meanwhile, retail sentiment soured on AstraZeneca (AZN) after its vaccine partnership was identified as part of the federal wind-down.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said that it will terminate or restructure 22 mRNA vaccine-related projects under BARDA, affecting nearly $500 million in funding.&nbsp;The decision follows a review of pandemic-era investments in mRNA technologies and represents a pivot in vaccine development strategy.“We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.HHS stated that its decision to terminate 22 mRNA vaccine development projects under BARDA was&nbsp;based on scientific data indicating the limited effectiveness of such vaccines in preventing upper respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 and influenza.&nbsp;The agency plans to redirect funding toward alternative vaccine platforms that offer broader protection and remain effective against evolving viruses.The canceled programs include BARDA’s award to Moderna and the University of Texas Medical Branch for an mRNA-based H5N1 avian flu vaccine.&nbsp;Contracts with Emory University and Tiba Biotech are also being terminated.&nbsp;Existing agreements with Luminary Labs, ModeX, and Seqirus, Sanofi’s vaccine subsidiary, are being revised to exclude mRNA components.Several pre-award solicitations have been rejected or canceled, including proposals from Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Seqirus, Gritstone, and others under BARDA’s Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle and VITAL Hub.&nbsp;HHS is also restructuring collaborations with the Department of Defense’s Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO), impacting nucleic acid-based vaccine efforts by AAHI, AstraZeneca, and HDT Bio.While some late-stage contracts, such as those with Arcturus and Amplitude, will be allowed to conclude, HHS said that no new mRNA projects will be initiated under BARDA.&nbsp;Additionally, the department has directed the Global Health Investment Corporation, which manages BARDA Ventures, to stop all equity investments in mRNA technologies.&nbsp;Other uses of mRNA technology within HHS are not impacted by the announcement.“Let me be absolutely clear: HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them. That’s why we’re moving beyond the limitations of mRNA and investing in better solutions,” said Kennedy.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment was&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/MRNA">‘bullish’ for MRNA</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SNY">SNY</a>, while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/PFE">PFE saw ‘extremely bullish’ sentiment</a> with ‘extremely high’ message volume. In contrast,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/AZN">sentiment turned ‘bearish’ for AZN</a>, with message volume remaining ‘normal’.So far this year, MRNA is down 34.6%, PFE is down 7%, SNY is down 0.7%, while AZN is up 13.1%.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

So far this year, MRNA is down 34.6%, PFE is down 7%, SNY is down 0.7%, while AZN is up 13.1%. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Moderna, Pfizer, Sanofi In Focus As US Winds Down mRNA Vaccine Plans; Retail Turns Bearish On AstraZeneca 

The U.S. health department is canceling or scaling back 22 BARDA-backed mRNA projects worth nearly $500 million, shifting funding toward broader vaccine platforms.

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