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November 2025 healthcare news roundup: the top moves

In this November 2025 healthcare news roundup, five developments stood out. GE HealthCare announced a $2.3B Intelerad acquisition. FDA approved Arrowhead’s REDEMPLO for FCS. CMS issued its 2026 ESRD final rule. FDA launched a fast clarification pilot. And a Senate panel advanced the HHS IG nominee.

• GE HealthCare will acquire Intelerad for $2.3 billion in cash, with closing targeted for H1 2026. Reuters and the company detailed about $270 million in first full year revenue contribution.
• FDA’s fda redeemplo approval brought Arrowhead its first marketed product and the second U.S. therapy for FCS.
• CMS’s cms 2026 esrd final rule set the base rate at $281.71 and projected a 2.2% aggregate payment increase.
• FDA started the fda meeting minute pilot to speed post meeting clarifications.
• The Senate Finance Committee advanced the hhs inspector general nomination by a 14,13 vote.

November 2025 healthcare news: GE HealthCare–Intelerad $2.3B deal

GE HealthCare will buy Intelerad for $2.3 billion in cash. The ge healthcare intelerad deal aims to expand cloud enabled enterprise imaging across care settings. Reuters and Business Wire say Intelerad could add roughly $270 million in revenue in the first full year, with closing expected in the first half of 2026, subject to approvals.

Moreover, the ge healthcare intelerad deal strengthens GE HealthCare’s outpatient footprint. The companies also emphasized recurring software revenue and AI powered imaging as growth pillars.

Timeline: key November dates and 2026 milestones

This November 2025 healthcare news roundup clustered around Nov. 18,20. On Nov. 18, FDA cleared REDEMPLO for FCS. The next day, FDA unveiled its Meeting Minute Clarification pilot. On Nov. 20, CMS finalized the ESRD rule, and GE HealthCare announced the Intelerad agreement. Additionally, the Senate panel vote moved the HHS nomination forward.

Looking ahead, the deal’s close is targeted for H1 2026. CMS policies apply in CY 2026.

FDA approves Arrowhead’s REDEMPLO for FCS

FDA granted approval to Arrowhead’s REDEMPLO (plozasiran) to reduce triglycerides in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome. Late stage data showed triglyceride reductions of 80% and an 83% lower pancreatitis risk versus placebo. Dosing is quarterly, and the annual wholesale list price is about $60,000.

According to available reports, the fda redeemplo approval marks Arrowhead’s first marketed product. Furthermore, the fda redeemplo approval adds another U.S. option for FCS alongside an existing therapy.

CMS finalizes CY 2026 ESRD payment updates

CMS issued the cms 2026 esrd final rule with a base rate of $281.71 for CY 2026. The agency projects total ESRD payments will rise by about 2.2%. Additionally, CMS finalized a non labor cost adjustment for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Pacific Territories, capped at 25%.

CMS also shortened ICH CAHPS to 39 questions and removed three health equity measures from the ESRD QIP. Finally, the rule ends the ESRD Treatment Choices Model early. Overall, the cms 2026 esrd final rule signals modest payment growth and some measure streamlining.

FDA launches Meeting Minute Clarification pilot

FDA began a Meeting Minute Clarification Opportunity under the Office of New Drugs. Sponsors can email a single discipline question after formal meetings, and FDA aims to reply within three business days. The fda meeting minute pilot started in October and seeks to streamline communications.

In practice, the fda meeting minute pilot could reduce ambiguity that slows development. However, sponsors should keep questions narrow and focused.

Senate panel advances HHS inspector general nominee

The Senate Finance Committee voted 14,13 to advance Thomas March Bell to the full Senate. The hhs inspector general nomination now awaits floor action. The HHS IG role oversees probes into fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid.

Politically, the hhs inspector general nomination has drawn scrutiny. Nevertheless, the committee vote keeps the process moving.

What’s next

Expect regulatory review of the GE HealthCare–Intelerad transaction and a targeted H1 2026 close. Watch REDEMPLO’s launch, coverage, and access steps. Also track implementation of CMS’s 2026 ESRD updates and early ETC Model wind down. Meanwhile, FDA will solicit feedback on its clarification pilot. Finally, the Senate could schedule a vote on the HHS IG nominee.

This November 2025 healthcare news roundup will stay active as each thread advances into 2026.