Pharma News
01 Sep 2024 to 07 Sep 2024
Sep 7, 2024
Pharmaceutical companies report improvements in obesity medication supply, yet patients still face challenges getting their prescriptions filled.
Pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are struggling to meet demand for their popular obesity and diabetes drugs, with frequent shortages disrupting patient access to treatment. The companies say the drugs are "available" again, but patients are struggling to get their prescriptions filled and the drugs remain on the FDA's shortage list. Both manufacturers are working to increase production and build new factories to alleviate supply issues. Meanwhile, the return of drug samples to doctors' offices is seen as a sign of easing shortages, but patients may still find it difficult to obtain their prescriptions.
Sep 6, 2024
Report on Market Size, Share, Growth, and Trends in Bacterial Conjunctivitis Drugs from 2024 to 2031
The global bacterial conjunctivitis drugs market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.50% during the forecast period 2024-2031. Rising incidences of bacterial conjunctivitis and the expiration of patents on key antibacterial medications are expected to fuel market growth. Common bacterial culprits include Staphylococci, Streptococci, Gonococci, and Chlamydia. Key players in the market include Novartis AG, Bayer Healthcare, and Allergan Plc.
Sep 6, 2024
Trial shows that GSK's antibody drug decreases the frequency of COPD attacks - Yahoo Finance
In a Phase 3 study, GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) Nucala medicine demonstrated positive results in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The trial, known as MATINEE, showed that adding Nucala to patients' existing treatment regimens significantly reduced disease exacerbations compared with a placebo. GSK plans to use the data to support a re-application for expanded approval of Nucala in treating COPD. Nucala is a biologic therapy that targets interleukin-5, and it was first approved in 2015 for severe asthma. COPD affects over 300 million people worldwide.
Sep 6, 2024
GSK's medication for asthma, Nucala, achieves success in Phase III trial for COPD - Yahoo Finance
GlaxoSmithKline's asthma drug Nucala (mepolizumab) has successfully met the primary endpoint in a Phase III trial for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Data from the trial showed that patients who received Nucala alongside inhaled maintenance therapy experienced a reduced rate of moderate or severe exacerbations compared to placebo. Further analysis of the data is ongoing, and preliminary safety results align with Nucala's known safety profile. GSK expects to submit regulatory applications for Nucala's use in COPD in the EU and Canada in 2025.
Sep 6, 2024
Nucala from GSK emerges victorious in Phase III trial for COPD on Clinical Trials Arena
GSK's asthma drug Nucala (mepolizumab) has achieved positive results in a phase III trial for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study showed a reduction in the rate of moderate or severe exacerbations when Nucala was added to the patient's existing treatment. GSK expects to submit the drug for regulatory approval in Europe and Canada in 2025. Nucala is already approved for asthma and generated £1.6bn ($2.1bn) in revenue for GSK in 2023. It is predicted to peak at $2.35bn in sales in 2026.
Sep 6, 2024
Chinese authorities question AstraZeneca staff regarding imported medications
Multiple AstraZeneca employees, both current and former, are facing investigation in China for potential law-breaking activities, including the collection of patient data and importing unlicensed drugs. AstraZeneca has confirmed that a small number of employees are under investigation but has not provided further details. The UK pharma company has been operating in China since 1993 and generated approximately £4.5 billion in sales last year. This investigation comes as a setback for AstraZeneca, which has been experiencing significant success due to its cancer drug Imfinzi and a strong pipeline of new medications.
Sep 6, 2024
Potential breakthrough in treating chronic lung disease demonstrated by GSK asthma medication - Reported by The Edge Malaysia
UK drug company GSK has reported positive results from an advanced trial of its asthma drug Nucala in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The trial showed a significant reduction in flare-ups in some adult patients with COPD compared to a placebo. Nucala is already approved for severe asthma, but this new potential use could open up a new avenue of growth for the drug. COPD is a life-threatening respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. GSK's shares were unchanged following the news.
Sep 5, 2024
On the 5th, Onconic Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Jeil Pharmaceutical, made an announcement stating that they have made a decision.
Onconic Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Jeil Pharmaceutical, has signed a joint sales contract with Jeil Pharmaceutical to market and sell their drug "Jacubo" for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Jacubo is a next-generation potassium competitive gastric acid secretion inhibitor. This partnership between Jeil Pharmaceutical and Dong-A ST is the first of its kind. The companies will work together to promote Jacubo in domestic hospitals and clinics, with hopes of it becoming a successful blockbuster drug.
Sep 4, 2024
Report on the South Korea Market for Non-Branded Pharmaceuticals Provides Insights on Size and Trends for 2031, According to WhaTech
The South Korea generic drugs market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.84% from 2024 to 2031, reaching USD 15.42 billion. The market's expansion is supported by the government's efforts to reduce the costs of generics, the aging population, and the increasing expiration of drug patents. The government aims to increase awareness and utilization of generics by reducing their costs. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes also drives the demand for affordable generic drugs. The expiration of patents and the launch of biosimilars further contribute to market growth.
Sep 4, 2024
Aspen, an African pharmaceutical company, invests in GLP-1 medications to increase earnings - ET HealthWorld
South African drugmaker Aspen Pharmacare missed its targeted mid-single digit growth in core profit, but is optimistic about future earnings with GLP-1 drug contracts. Aspen's shares fell 13.23% as it recorded little change in earnings per share and a slight rise in EBITDA. The company blamed the Chinese government's volume-based procurement for the earnings shortfall. Aspen has also secured a commercial licence to sell GLP-1 drugs globally, making it the exclusive supplier. The drugmaker also signed a deal to distribute diabetes drug Mounjaro in South Africa.
Sep 4, 2024
Medicare Could Spend up to $145 Billion Annually on Novo Nordisk's Semaglutide for Cardiovascular Disease
The U.S. government may face an annual expense of up to $145 billion due to the inclusion of Novo Nordisk's weight-management drug, Wegovy, in the Medicare Part D coverage for reducing cardiovascular risk in certain patients. As Congress considers expanding Medicare to cover weight-loss drugs, a study reveals the potential financial impact of covering Wegovy, previously marketed as Ozempic for type-2 diabetes. Wegovy gained FDA approval in March for reducing the risk of heart attacks.
Sep 4, 2024
AbbVie stock remains appealing even after the post-Humira era, according to sharewise
AbbVie's future is being questioned as its blockbuster drug Humira faces biosimilar competition and patent expiration. However, the company has prepared for this moment by developing next-generation immunology drugs, strategically acquiring promising pipelines, and deepening its portfolio in diverse therapeutic areas. Rinvoq and Skyrizi, the successors to Humira, have demonstrated significant potential, and AbbVie's financial performance and dividend history remain strong. Despite the challenges, AbbVie is positioning itself for long-term success beyond Humira's decline.
Sep 4, 2024
Lilly's Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Marketing for Obesity, Job Cuts, and Interest in Eye Conditions - BioSpace
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly plans to sell single-dose vials of its weight loss drug Zepbound directly to consumers, while Novo Nordisk expects a shortage of lower doses of its GLP-1 therapy Ozempic until the fourth quarter of 2024. Gene therapy shows promise in treating wet AMD, a cause of blindness, and cell therapy is making progress against dry eye disease. Layoffs continue to affect the industry, with BioMarin, Genentech, and Astellas Gene Therapies letting go of staff.
Sep 4, 2024
Sandoz to Introduce First Generic GLP1 Drug in Canadian Market by 2026 - SWI swissinfo.ch
Sandoz Group AG plans to launch a generic version of the GLP1 drug semaglutide in Canada in 2026, following the expiration of the patent for the main ingredient. Sandoz CEO Richard Saynor sees this as a significant opportunity, considering Canada is the second-largest market for GLP-1 drugs globally. The company aims to gain important insights from this launch before expanding into Europe and the US in 2030. The GLP-1 market is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030. Sandoz is collaborating with Greek firm Pharmathen on the development of the generic drug.
Sep 4, 2024
South Africans' access to healthcare rights limited by Evergreen patents, says Juta MedicalBrief
The Competition Commission probe into patent monopolies held by pharmaceutical companies GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) resulted in a settlement that allowed for lower prices of several antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) used in HIV treatment. Now, the Commission has initiated a complaint against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) for their patenting strategy on bedaquiline, an important drug for treating tuberculosis (TB). The move prompted J&J to publicly state that it would not enforce its secondary patents in South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries, paving the way for generic competition and lower prices.
Sep 4, 2024
The Conflict between Price Controls and the Approaching BioPharma Patent Expiration - IPWatchdog.com
The article discusses the upcoming patent cliff in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the impact on drug pricing and the entry of generic drugmakers. It specifically mentions the patent expiration of Humira®, a top-selling drug, and other blockbuster drugs. The panel will explore the implications of this patent cliff on the biopharmaceutical industry and if it challenges the Biden Administration's stance on price controls and patent expiration.
Sep 4, 2024
Innovent Bio aims for strong financial gains with obesity drug - Chinese market analysis for international investors
Chinese biopharmaceutical company, Innovent Biologics, reported a 46% increase in half-year revenues, driven by demand for the anti-cancer injection, sintilimab. However, the company's net loss also grew significantly. Innovent's highly anticipated weight-loss drug, mazdutide, may not receive sales approval until after this year, potentially giving rival products an advantage in the market. Additionally, the surprise retirement of the executive in charge of R&D activities raised speculation about the company's changing strategy.
Sep 3, 2024
Sanofi Receives Strong Buy Rating Due to Promising Blockbuster Drug Potential and Important Developments
Sanofi's stock has received a Buy rating from both Bernstein and Bank of America Securities. This rating is supported by several factors, including the positive phase III results for Sanofi's medication, tolebrutinib, in treating Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS). There are also other catalysts, such as potential FDA validation for additional manufacturing lines and the anticipated US approval for Dupixent in treating COPD. The stock is also considered undervalued compared to its peers, further justifying the positive stance.
Sep 3, 2024
Sandoz Sets to Release First Generic GLP1 Drug in Canada in 2026, as Reported by BNN Bloomberg
Sandoz Group AG plans to launch a generic version of the drug semaglutide in Canada in 2026, once the patent for the main ingredient expires. Sandoz CEO, Richard Saynor, sees this as a significant opportunity since Canada is the second-largest market for GLP-1 drugs. Sandoz expects to gain valuable insights from this launch for future markets in Europe and the US. The GLP-1 market is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030. Sandoz is collaborating with Greek firm Pharmathen on this venture.
