Slovakia will block EU sanctions until Druzhba pipeline restarts

 Bratislava demands verified guarantees for resuming crude oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. The move could delay approval of the EU’s 20th sanctions package.

According to the agency TA3.

The Slovak side is ready to halt the EU’s approval of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia until guarantees are provided for the resumption of transit through the Druzhba pipeline and its return to stable operation.

Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said this on Thursday, April 16, underscoring Bratislava’s readiness to act in the interests of ensuring energy supply stability.

According to the minister, Slovakia will block the sanctions until the restart of the Druzhba pipeline is ensured. At the same time, he noted that the country does not oppose providing Ukraine with an EU loan of 90 billion euros, which Hungary had previously blocked.

Blanar also said that the government voiced this position before the Slovak Parliament’s Committee on European Affairs. He noted that there is a need for a clear, transparent, and verifiable statement on the restoration of the Druzhba pipeline’s operation.

The government had previously said it would support sanctions against Russia if they do not harm Slovakia’s interests.

Position on the 20th sanctions package and the restoration of the Druzhba

“If the Druzhba pipeline is not put into operation, and the question of approving the 20th package is on the table, we will not approve it. We have no other instruments except to compel Zelensky, together with the European Commission, to put Druzhba into operation”

– Juraj Blanar

The minister also stressed that the stance of Hungary’s new government signals a willingness to support providing the EU loan to Ukraine. At the same time, it was blocked by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after his party Fidesz suffered a defeat in the latest parliamentary elections.

In March, the prime minister and ally of the former head of the Hungarian government, Robert Fico, stated in connection with the mentioned loan that Slovakia is ready to take on the role of initiator if needed.

As reported, the transport of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline from Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary was halted in January after damage caused during a Russian attack. After the interruption, the Slovak government declared a state of emergency in the oil sector.

Bratislava and Budapest have repeatedly accused Kyiv of delaying the resumption of crude oil transport for political reasons.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a recent visit to Berlin, said that the pipeline would be back in operation by the end of April.

The oil supply situation and sanctions demonstrate the seriousness of regional energy dependence and the urgent need for transparent agreements between countries.

https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/slovakia_will_block/

'FDA Takes Step Forward on Testosterone Therapy for Men'

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today is taking an initial step to advance treatment options for men’s health by encouraging sponsors of approved testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) products to contact FDA for information if they are interested in pursuing a potential new indication for low libido in men with idiopathic hypogonadism (without a known cause).

“New and emerging data suggest there may be an opportunity to help men suffering from symptoms that significantly affect quality of life,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “We are eager to work with sponsors to further evaluate this potential new use while upholding our rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness.”

Currently, FDA-approved TRT products are indicated only for men with specific forms of hypogonadism tied to known structural or genetic causes. Following a preliminary review of emerging evidence from published clinical literature and discussion at a December 2025 expert panel meeting, the agency identified data suggesting that TRT may be safe and effective for certain men experiencing low libido related to idiopathic hypogonadism—a condition characterized by low testosterone levels without an identifiable cause.

“Sexual health is an important component of overall well-being and quality of life,” said Brian J. Christine, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health. “This is an exciting opportunity to build on new science and potentially expand treatment options for men with hypogonadism. We encourage continued innovation and collaboration to bring forward high-quality evidence that can expand options for men with hypogonadism.”

The agency’s preliminary assessment focused on published literature of rigorous, well-controlled clinical trials evaluating relevant outcomes. Following this review, the agency is encouraging holders of approved TRT new drug applications (NDAs) that are interested in seeking approval for the treatment of low libido in men with decreased libido associated with idiopathic hypogonadism to contact FDA for further information regarding submission of a supplemental NDA, including data needed to support an approval. Application holders are encouraged to contact the FDA by April 30.

FDA emphasizes that any approval for a new indication would require demonstration of substantial evidence of effectiveness and that the benefits outweigh the risks for the intended population.

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-step-forward-testosterone-therapy-men

HIMS: Applauding FDA's Move Towards Regulatory Clarity on Peptide Therapy

 

Americans have been hearing a lot about peptide therapy, and, at Hims & Hers, we believe everyone deserves a responsible pathway to the latest innovations in longevity and wellness. The FDA’s plans to more clearly define the regulatory status of several peptides is an important step toward moving these treatments out of the gray market, and into more trusted channels overseen by vetted healthcare professionals. 

People need clear information, thoughtful guidance, and care they can trust when exploring emerging treatments. Our medical team believes certain peptide therapies hold meaningful potential in helping Americans live healthier lives, and we are actively exploring how to expand access in a way that will be aligned with FDA guidance and reflects our commitment to consumer safety, transparency, and clinical excellence. 

We believe strongly in a comprehensive standard of longevity care that spans new treatments, labs, and hormonal health. We will continue to work to set a standard in this emerging space that Americans can trust as they build their health and wellness.

https://news.hims.com/newsroom/applauding-move-towards-regulatory-clarity-on-peptide-therapy

Abbott beats Q1 2026 estimates with EPS $1.15 (+6% YoY), reaffirms 2026 growth outlook

 

Abbott beats Q1 2026 estimates with EPS $1.15 (+6% YoY), reaffirms 2026 growth outlook including Exact Sciences dilution

• Q1 revenue $11.16B grew 8% YoY, supporting an overall Q1 2026 beat versus analyst estimates.
• Q1 adjusted EPS $1.15 grew 6% YoY, in line with company expectations.
• Full-year 2026 comparable sales growth outlook maintained at 6.5%-7.5%, including Exact in both years.
• Abbott maintains full-year 2026 EPS outlook of $5.38–$5.58, reflecting dilution from its completed Exact Sciences acquisition.
• Full-year adjusted EPS guidance midpoint reduced to $5.48, reflecting $0.20 Exact Sciences dilution.
• Q2 adjusted EPS guided to $1.25-$1.31; FX expected +1% full-year sales tailwind, neutral in Q2.
• Comparable sales grew 3.7% YoY, with Med Devices +8.5% and EPD pharma +9%.
• Diagnostics grew 2%: Core Lab +3% offset by 10% respiratory testing decline.
• Libre/CGM revenue $2B grew 7.5%; management targets return to double-digit growth in Q2.
• Cancer diagnostics grew 13% on comparable basis, led by mid-teens Cologuard growth and strong international.
• Nutrition volumes declined on recent price reductions, but early data show improving volume response.
• Management tone confident but conservative, with main debate around H2 acceleration, CGM trends, and Exact growth.
• Main concern: Execution risk around second-half growth acceleration, especially Nutrition recovery, CGM reacceleration, and diagnostics rebound.

https://finviz.com/quote.ashx?t=ABT&p=d

MiMedx Group launches restructuring and cost reduction plan targeting approximately $40 m

 

MiMedx Group launches restructuring and cost reduction plan targeting approximately $40 million in annualized savings

• Plan includes elimination of the COO position as part of broader organizational restructuring
• Company expects to record an approximately $4 million restructuring charge in Q2 2026

https://finviz.com/quote.ashx?t=MDXG&p=d

Walmart Expands Access to Weight Management Support Services in GLP-1s

 

Better Care Services platform connects customers to virtual care and nutrition support, complementing fast, convenient access to medications through Walmart’s nationwide pharmacy network


As more customers seek support for weight management and overall health, Walmart is expanding its Better Care Services platform with new offerings that bring together virtual care, nutrition services and pharmacy access in one experience.



Better Care Services connects customers to curated third-party providers alongside pharmacy services, nutrition insights and delivery options. The platform now includes weight management support services for customers on or exploring GLP-1 therapies, complementing the convenient access they already have to medications through Walmart’s nearly 4,600 pharmacies nationwide.



With a nationwide pharmacy footprint, Walmart provides access to a broad portfolio of GLP-1 medications with a prescription, including newly available oral options such as Foundayo™ (orforglipron), available through insurance or transparent cash-pay pricing. Customers benefit from competitive pricing and convenient fulfillment options, including same-day delivery in as fast as an hour in many locations, offering one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get medications. Free delivery is also available for Walmart+ members. In-store pharmacist support and digital tools further help customers manage prescriptions and navigate their treatment.



The Better Care Services platform now features obesity and weight management support offerings from Aaptiv, Berry Street, Curai Health, MyCare by Twin Health, and Wheel (pricing below reflects cash-pay rates unless otherwise noted):

Aaptiv – a personalized fitness app that helps users at all levels take action on wellness goals. It offers GLP-1 companion programming, personalized insights delivered weekly, and 10,000+ expert-led fitness classes and nutrition articles to help get people moving and build a custom routine.
Berry Street – combines AI with a nationwide network of Registered Dietitians to deliver personalized, evidence-based nutrition therapy. Patients work one-on-one with a dietitian and the Berry Street app between visits for guidance, meal tracking and health data integration. Through Walmart’s platform, customers can discover Berry Street, confirm insurance coverage within the Berry Street experience, and access personalized nutrition support tailored to their needs, often with services covered by insurance.
Curai Health – an AI-supported, self-guided care experience designed to provide personalized coaching, cognitive-based support, virtual dietitian services and guidance on nutrition and fitness. From April 15 through July 31, Walmart customers can access the Curai Health Weight Loss GLP-1 AI agent at no cost, including clinician visits if required. Promotional free visits are not available to individuals enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid. Beginning Aug. 1, Curai Health’s virtual care and weight loss programs will each be available for $29 per month.
MyCare by Twin Health – supports people using GLP-1s who want lasting weight loss, whether they plan to stay on medication or transition off. MyCare provides real-time, personalized insights into how food, sleep and activity affect the body. Paired with a dedicated care team to provide clinical support, these insights help people adapt as their bodies change and build sustainable habits for lasting weight loss and optimal health.
Wheel – a weight management care program with board-certified providers trained in obesity management. The service is available without a membership or subscription requirement, and includes telehealth visits, ongoing monitoring, medication management and personalized care plans with initial visits starting at $99 and check-ins at $35. Medications are priced separately.
https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2026/04/16/walmart-expands-access-to-weight-management-support-services-for-customers-on-or-exploring-glp-1s

Fed's Miran expects 3 rate cuts this year

 Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran predicted on Thursday that the Fed might cut interest rates "only" three times this year, contradicting other Fed officials, who are warning that the energy shock could delay cuts, possibly until 2027. He acknowledged that conditions are currently more unpredictable, but expressed confidence that core goods and housing inflation will continue falling.

Miran said that the rising energy prices have not influenced inflation projections 12 to 18 months ahead and projected that the 12-month PCE inflation may fall to the 2% target within a year. He also noted that there is no evidence of a wage-price spiral and that inflation expectations remain unchanged.

https://breakingthenews.net/Article/Fed's-Miran-expects-3-rate-cuts-this-year/66086478