Binance founder sentenced for allowing money laundering
By Associated Press
U.S. challenges ‘bogus’ patents on Ozempic, other drugs
WASHINGTON | Federal regulators are challenging patents on 20 brand name drugs, including the blockbuster weight-loss injection Ozempic, in the latest action by the Biden administration targeting industry practices that drive up pharmaceutical prices.
The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday sent warning letters to 10 drugmakers, taking issue with patents on popular drugs for weight loss, diabetes, asthma and other reparatory conditions. The letters allege that certain patents filed by Novo Nordisk, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and seven other companies are inaccurate or misleading.
Binance founder sentenced for allowing money laundering
SEATTLE | Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has been sentenced to four months in prison for allowing rampant money laundering on the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. A judge on Tuesday credited Zhao for taking responsibility for his wrongdoing.
But he said he was troubled by the Binance founder’s decision to ignore U.S. banking requirements that would have slowed the company’s explosive growth. The sentence was far less than the three years prosecutors had sought.
But defense attorneys had asked that Zhao spend no time in prison. Zhao pleaded guilty in November to one count of failing to maintain an anti-money-laundering program.
Walmart to close its 51 health centers, virtual care service
Walmart is closing its health centers and virtual care service after struggling to find success with the offerings, the U.S. retailer said Tuesday.
The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company said that after managing the clinics it launched in 2019 and expanding its telehealth program, it concluded “there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue.”
Walmart had 51 health centers in five states, with the goal of helping people save money on their health care needs.
“This is a difficult decision, and like others, the challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs create a lack of profitability that make the care business unsustainable for us at this time,” the company said in a statement.
A spokeswoman said reimbursement proved challenging “from all types of insurance.”
—From AP reports
