Carlyle-backed life sciences investor launches $1.5bn clinical trials fund

President Emmanuel Macron has appointed centrist politician François Bayrou as the new prime minister in an effort to stabilize political turmoil in France. Bayrou, a three-time presidential candidate, has a market-oriented economic view and supports social justice measures. His appointment has faced criticism from Macron's opponents, who argue that he lacks democratic legitimacy and must engage in dialogue with all parties. The uncertainty in French politics has caused concern among businesses and investors. Bayrou's ability...

President-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his inauguration next month, potentially indicating a delay in imposing tariffs on Beijing as Trump begins his second term. This move, as suggested by advisory firm Signum Global, could signal a more diplomatic approach towards China under the new administration. The invitation reflects a possible shift in U.S.-China relations, hinting at a desire for dialogue and negotiation rather than immediate punitive measures. Full Article

The UK government is considering weakening community rights to object to new energy projects in a push to decarbonize by 2030, aiming for low-carbon sources to supply the majority of electricity. Plans include streamlining the process for legal challenges to infrastructure projects to prevent delays. The government also plans to boost renewable energy with offshore wind capacity and solar power, requiring significant investment and potentially longer subsidy contracts funded by consumer energy bills. Full Article

At WIRED's "The Big Interview," Mark Cuban explained that his low-price drug company, Cost Plus Drugs, prioritizes affordability over profit as a public benefit corporation. Cuban, along with co-founder Alex Oshmyansky, launched the online pharmacy in 2022 to disrupt the pharmaceutical industry by offering over 2,300 prescription medications at reduced prices. By marking up base prices by 15% and adding on pharmacy charges, Cost Plus Drugs aims to ensure all Americans can access essential medications...

Meta donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund, marking a first for the company. The donation follows a recent dinner between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Trump, where Zuckerberg showcased Meta's smart glasses. Despite past tensions, the relationship between Trump and Zuckerberg has improved, with Zuckerberg apologizing to Trump and congratulating him on his recent victory. Full Article

Oil prices fell on Thursday as the International Energy Agency revised down its global oil-demand growth estimate for this year. The market is expected to be "comfortably supplied" until 2025, leading to a decrease in oil prices after a three-session streak of gains. Full Article