Company News: Drugmakers, Starz, Apple, Coca-Cola

Drugmakers may win approval from U.S. regulators for breakthrough therapies after a single round of studies, rather than three, in an effort to speed life-saving medicines to patients. Three experimental medicines have been granted the fast-track designation—including two cystic fibrosis treatments made by Vertex Pharmaceuticals. And 18 additional drugs, many cancer-related, have been submitted, according to Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. In contrast, Woodcock said the agency is taking its time considering whether to approve copies of biotechnology medicines, or so-called biologics.

Edging out Netflix, Starz secured an extension of a contract with Sony Pictures Entertainment for first-run movie rights through 2021. Starz, which operates premium cable channels and online streaming services, has about 55 million TV subscribers. Terms of the deal with Sony weren’t disclosed. The agreement guarantees a library of movies for Starz, which was spun off from John Malone’s Liberty Media in January. Walt Disney plans to end a first-run rights deal with Starz in 2016 and then shift to Netflix.