Pharma News
03 Mar 2024 to 09 Mar 2024
Mar 9, 2024
Wegovy Receives FDA Approval for Reducing Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke - Northlines
The FDA has approved Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug, Wegovy, to reduce the risk of heart disease. In a clinical trial, Wegovy demonstrated a 20% reduction in cardiovascular events compared to a placebo. The updated label may encourage more employers and insurers to cover the popular drug.
Mar 8, 2024
Lexaria (NASDAQ: LEXX) appoints Chief Research Officer for upcoming DehydraTECH-empowered GLP-1 Human Pilot Study
Lexaria Bioscience has hired a contract research organization to conduct a second human pilot study for its DehydraTECH-powered glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). The study will compare three formulations, including a dissolvable oral tablet, and if successful, could offer a new era in GLP-1 delivery without injections or tablets.
Mar 8, 2024
Creator of Ozempic introduces a new weight loss pill that is twice as effective as its popular injection - from Daily Mail
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has unveiled promising results for its new weight-loss pill, amyretin. In a trial, patients using the drug lost 13% of their body weight over 12 weeks, compared to the 6% achieved by the company's injectable weight-loss drug, Wegovy. The announcement has caused Novo Nordisk shares to rise by 8% and has elevated the company's value to $566bn, surpassing that of Tesla and Visa. Amyretin is similar to Wegovy, targeting the GLP-1 hormone to regulate appetite and induce weight loss. The drug is expected to compete in the obesity medicine market.
Mar 8, 2024
Novo Nordisk announces the expansion of its weight loss medication Wegovy to the Chinese market - Quartz
Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk expects its weight loss drug, Wegovy, to receive approval in China this year following its successful launch in Japan last month. Wegovy, along with the drug Ozempic, has gained demand worldwide as a treatment for diabetes and weight loss. Novo Nordisk also reported a rise in sales, and the company's stock reached a record high after positive trial results for a new weight loss pill. The global demand for Novo Nordisk's weight loss drugs is predicted to contribute to Denmark's GDP growth.
Mar 8, 2024
FDA seeks advice from advisers, postponing approval of Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's drug, the company reports - CNN
The approval of Eli Lilly's experimental Alzheimer's medication, donanemab, will be delayed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as it plans to hold a last-minute meeting with outside advisers to review the drug's safety and efficacy. The FDA has expressed concerns about the drug's safety and the trial design. Donanemab would be the second drug to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease behind Eisai and Biogen's Leqembi. The delay follows a series of challenges and controversies surrounding recent Alzheimer's drug approvals.
Mar 8, 2024
Novo Nordisk anticipates Chinese approval for weight loss drug Wegovy in 2021
Novo Nordisk expects to launch its popular weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in China this year, with a focus on patients paying out-of-pocket. The company has launched the drug in eight countries since 2021, and it is racing to increase supplies to meet the soaring demand. Wegovy belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes. China is expected to be Novo's second-biggest market, following the United States.
Mar 8, 2024
CEO of Novo Nordisk anticipates that a weight loss medication has the potential to become a top-tier pharmaceutical product.
Novo Nordisk CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, has expressed optimism about the potential of the company's experimental weight loss pill, amycretin, to become a leading treatment for obesity. Early-stage trial data has shown that patients on amycretin lost about 13.1% of their weight after 12 weeks, surpassing the results seen with Novo Nordisk's current blockbuster weight loss drug, Wegovy. This success has fueled growing enthusiasm for the potential of weight loss pills as a convenient and potentially cheaper option for treating obesity.
Mar 8, 2024
The weight loss pill from the manufacturer of Ozempic is twice as effective as the popular skinny jab.
Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has announced promising early results for its weight-loss drug amycretin, which showed that patients could lose over 13 percent of their weight in just 12 weeks. The drug targets the same glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone that is regulated by Novo Nordisk's other drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, and aims to reduce appetite and slow stomach emptying. The company plans to begin a phase two trial later this year, with results expected in early 2026. If successful, amycretin could be available to consumers shortly thereafter.
Mar 8, 2024
Wegovy, a product by Novo Nordisk, receives approval in the US for its positive effects on heart health - reported by Bloomberg.com
Novo Nordisk's anti-obesity drug, Wegovy, has received expanded approval in the US, allowing it to be used for reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This marks the first time a weight-loss therapy has been approved for preventing cardiovascular events, solidifying Wegovy's health benefits beyond cosmetic weight loss.
Mar 8, 2024
FDA grants approval to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy for improving heart health, reports CNBC.
The FDA has approved Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug, Wegovy, for reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular complications in adults with obesity and heart disease. This approval could expand insurance coverage for the drug, making it more accessible. In a clinical trial, Wegovy was shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes by 20%. The drug, which costs around $1,000 per month, is administered through weekly injections and should be used alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Mar 8, 2024
Washington Post: FDA gives green light to Wegovy weight-loss medication for reducing heart-disease risks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the weight-loss drug Wegovy, which is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. This approval is the first of its kind and expands the market for the drug. Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient as the diabetes drug Ozempic, was already approved for treating obesity and overweight patients. The FDA's decision came after a clinical trial showed that the drug reduced the risk of heart problems in overweight individuals. The expansion of Wegovy's regulatory label could lead to increased insurance coverage for the drug.
Mar 8, 2024
The challenges of leading the way: Insights from successful pharmaceutical drugs
Biogen's discontinuation of its Alzheimer's disease drug aducanumab (Aduhelm) highlights the challenges faced by groundbreaking "first-in-class" drugs. The drug was the first therapy approved for early Alzheimer's disease, but confusion over clinical benefit and coverage restrictions led to disappointing sales. The discontinuation reinforces the need for continued investment in research and efficient delivery of newly approved treatments. The experience of aducanumab provides valuable lessons for companies developing follow-on drugs in terms of adoption, efficacy, and safety data.
Mar 8, 2024
HealthDay: Wegovy Approved by FDA for Prevention of Heart Attack and Stroke
The weight-loss drug Wegovy, which is a version of the diabetes drug Ozempic, has been approved by the U.S. FDA to help prevent heart attack, stroke, and heart death in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight. In a study, Wegovy significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to a placebo. This approval could potentially increase the number of people who can be prescribed the drug. Some potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and low blood sugar, among others.
Mar 8, 2024
Wegovy approved by FDA for reducing risk of heart attack and stroke, reports NBC News
Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has announced that its weight loss drug, Wegovy, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to reduce the risk of heart disease. The drug's label has been updated to reflect this new indication. In a clinical trial, Wegovy was found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by 20% compared to a placebo. This approval could encourage more employers and insurers to cover the medication, which has previously been expensive and not widely covered. Wegovy contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic.
Mar 8, 2024
US FDA approves Wegovy to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke - from USNews.com
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Wegovy (semaglutide), a weight-loss medication that is a modified version of the diabetes drug Ozempic, to help prevent heart attack, stroke, and heart death. This makes Wegovy the first weight-loss medication to be approved for this purpose in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight. The FDA-approved study showed that Wegovy significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to a placebo. The drug does come with potential side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and low blood sugar.
Mar 8, 2024
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk's Wegovy gains approval for reducing...
The US FDA approves an anti-obesity drug for the prevention of serious heart conditions, potentially expanding insurance coverage.
Mar 8, 2024
FDA authorizes Wegovy injection for weight loss in individuals with heart disease - Daily Mail
The FDA has approved the use of the medication Wegovy for adults with heart disease, even if they are not obese. The drug, which uses the active ingredient semaglutide, has shown to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by up to 28% in large-scale studies. Previously approved for weight loss in overweight or obese patients, Wegovy is now approved for non-diabetic patients with heart disease. The drug's owner, Novo Nordisk, experienced a surge in shares following the approval. The approval is expected to lead to improved insurance coverage for the drug.
Mar 8, 2024
The FDA plans to further assess Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's medication donanemab
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has delayed regulatory action on Eli Lilly's experimental Alzheimer's drug, donanemab. The FDA has cited a need for more review to establish its safety and effectiveness for a disease that affects 6 million Americans, Alzheimer's disease. The call for additional scrutiny has come after criticism of the FDA's approval of another Alzheimer's drug that showed conflicting results about its effectiveness. The FDA will hold an advisory committee meeting to further scrutinize donanemab. Eli Lilly is confident in donanemab's potential and says the FDA is essentially giving it a second chance.
Mar 7, 2024
Novo's stock price experiences a significant increase following the announcement of a potential new obesity treatment by the company.
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk released promising data on an experimental daily pill called amycretin, which targets obesity by utilizing two modes of action including GLP-1. In an early-stage test, the pill helped patients lose 13% of their weight over 12 weeks. This development has led to a surge in Novo Nordisk's shares to a record high, as amycretin shows potential as a next-generation obesity treatment similar to the successful drugs Ozempic and Wegovy.
Mar 7, 2024
Bristol Myers secures approval for Opdivo combination as initial treatment for bladder cancer
Bristol Myers Squibb has received FDA approval for its cancer drug Opdivo to be used in combination with chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and gemcitabine to treat a type of bladder cancer. The approval was based on positive results from a clinical trial evaluating overall survival and progression-free survival in patients who had not previously been treated.
Mar 7, 2024
Novo Nordisk anticipates the approval of Wegovy in China this year.
Novo Nordisk plans to launch its popular weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in China this year, targeting patients who pay out-of-pocket. The Danish drugmaker aims to secure approval for Wegovy and expand its availability in the largest Asian market. Wegovy is part of a drug class called GLP-1 agonists, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes but has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing food cravings and slow digestion. The upcoming launch in China follows Wegovy's successful introduction in Japan earlier this year. Novo Nordisk expects China to become its second-largest market after the United States.
Mar 7, 2024
Eli Lilly advises celebrities to refrain from using its popular weight loss medications for aesthetic reasons ...
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of weight loss drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound, has expressed concern over shortages of these medications. The company released a television advert urging individuals who are not overweight or obese to avoid these drugs, as they have only been tested and approved for such individuals or those with type 2 diabetes. Shortages of weight loss drugs have been ongoing due to high demand, with an estimated nine million prescriptions written in the last three months of 2022. The advert is being aired before the 96th Academy Awards to ensure the medications reach those who need them.
Mar 7, 2024
Novo Nordisk's anti-obesity medication shows promise for surpassing Wegovy in promoting weight loss
Novo Nordisk's experimental obesity pill, amycretin, has shown promising results in a Phase 1 clinical trial, leading to a weight loss of 13.1% in participants. The pill, which is taken orally, demonstrated superior weight shedding compared to the company's approved injectable medication, Wegovy. Amycretin works by activating both the GLP-1 and amylin receptors, offering patients a more convenient alternative for weight management. Although further testing is needed, the initial data suggests amycretin's potential as an effective obesity treatment. Novo Nordisk is currently working on expanding its manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for Wegovy.
Mar 7, 2024
Novo Nordisk stock market value rises to €517bn following successful trial of new weight-loss drug
Shares in Novo Nordisk surged over 8% as early trial data for its experimental obesity drug amycretin showed higher weight loss compared to its popular drug Wegovy. The positive results have boosted Novo Nordisk's market valuation, surpassing Tesla. The phase I trial showed that participants lost over 13% of their weight after 12 weeks, compared to 6% with Wegovy. Investors welcomed the news as it indicated Novo Nordisk had a strong pipeline beyond Wegovy. The company's market valuation reached €517bn, making it Europe's most valuable listed company.
Mar 7, 2024
Novo Nordisk anticipating approval of Wegovy in China this year, reports SRN News.
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk anticipates China's approval for its weight loss drug, Wegovy, this year. The company plans to launch the drug in the Chinese market, initially targeting out-of-pocket patients. Wegovy, a popular drug for weight loss, has already been introduced in Japan and several other countries. Novo Nordisk is working to meet the increasing demand for the drug, which belongs to the GLP-1 agonist class. Though generic GLP-1 drugs are in development in China, they are not expected to receive approval before 2028. Novo Nordisk's patent for Wegovy in China expires in 2026.
Mar 7, 2024
Novo Nordisk anticipates Chinese approval for Wegovy by the end of the year - The Edge Malaysia
Novo Nordisk plans to launch its popular weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in China this year. The Danish pharma company expects approval for sale in China and will initially focus on out-of-pocket paying patients. Wegovy, a GLP-1 agonist, is aimed at reducing food cravings and slowing stomach emptying. The drug has already been launched in Japan and eight other countries. Novo Nordisk aims to increase supplies to meet high demand, although it has had to cap volumes in most markets. Several manufacturers have filed for GLP-1 generic drugs, but approval is not expected before 2028.
Mar 7, 2024
Merck KGaA discontinues development of BTK inhibitor evobrutinib, signaling the end of hopes for a successful blockbuster drug.
German pharmaceutical company Merck KGaA has announced that it is dropping its BTK inhibitor drug, evobrutinib, after it failed to surpass Sanofi's Aubagio in two phase 3 multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials. Merck had previously hoped to launch evobrutinib as a potential blockbuster drug. The decision to discontinue the drug resulted in a one-time cost of €95 million ($103.5 million) for Merck. Other pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi, Biogen, Novartis, and Roche, are still exploring BTK inhibitors for the treatment of MS.
Mar 7, 2024
GSK promotes new success with Blenrep combination following withdrawal, while analysts predict significant growth.
GSK has announced positive trial evidence for its antibody-drug conjugate Blenrep in the treatment of previously treated multiple myeloma. In the phase 3 DREAMM-8 trial, Blenrep demonstrated better outcomes compared to Takeda's Velcade when used in combination with Bristol Myers Squibb's Pomalyst and dexamethasone. GSK previously withdrew Blenrep from the US market as a late-line therapy in 2022 but aims to bring it back based on the positive trial results. The company expects to file for re-approval in the second half of this year.
Mar 7, 2024
Allegations against Boehringer Ingelheim for using US patents inappropriately to hinder competition for asthma medication
In a proposed class-action lawsuit, the Massachusetts Laborers' Health and Welfare Fund accuses Boehringer Ingelheim of misusing patents on its Respimat inhaler to extend its monopoly on drugs. The lawsuit claims that the company's actions have led to overcharges of "many millions, if not billions, of dollars" for drug purchasers. Boehringer Ingelheim has defended its adherence to FDA guidelines and its patents. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has previously disputed patents submitted by drugmakers, such as Boehringer Ingelheim, to delay generic competition.
Mar 6, 2024
Johnson & Johnson's lung cancer treatment demonstrates success in direct comparison to AstraZeneca's medication
Johnson & Johnson has announced that its cancer drug combination has shown promise in a late-stage study for patients with a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The combination therapy demonstrated an increased duration of time without disease worsening compared to AstraZeneca's Tagrisso. Analysts are eagerly awaiting further details from the trial to determine if the therapy could become a first-line treatment for NSCLC patients. AstraZeneca has cautioned against comparing the two treatments, as there have been no head-to-head studies.
Mar 6, 2024
Controversial Plan by Biden Administration to Decrease Drug Prices Sparks Patent Dispute
The Biden administration has proposed utilizing march-in rights to seize control of pharmaceutical patents developed with taxpayer money, with the aim of reducing drug prices. This move has sparked a debate between those arguing for affordable medications for all and concerns over hindering innovation and private investment. Critics claim that the impact on drug prices would be minimal, while proponents argue that it could increase accessibility to life-saving drugs. The outcome of this controversy will have significant implications for drug development and pricing policies in the U.S.
Mar 6, 2024
Controversy and Debate Swirl Around Biden's Decision Regarding Drug Patents - Medriva
President Joe Biden has proposed utilizing 'march-in' rights to challenge drug patents and make essential medications more affordable. This strategy has sparked a debate about the balance between access to drugs and protecting pharmaceutical innovation. Republican lawmakers are opposed to the proposal, arguing that it could stifle innovation. The use of march-in rights presents both hopeful prospects of lowering drug prices and concerns about deterred private investment in research and development. This issue will shape the future of drug pricing and healthcare accessibility in the US.
Mar 6, 2024
AbbVie tops direct-to-consumer advertising spending in February while overall spending sees a sharp decline
Pharmaceutical company AbbVie dominated the top 10 pharma ad spending list in February, with its drugs Rinvoq and Skyrizi claiming the first and second spots respectively. Rinvoq surpassed Skyrizi in ad spending, with a total of $55 million spent on these two drugs alone. Other drugs that made the list include Dupixent, Veozah, Camzyos, Vraylar, GSK's RSV vaccine, Jardiance, Opdivo, and Otezla. Overall, the total spend across the top 10 pharma companies in February was $168.4 million.
Mar 6, 2024
Alnylam Pharma's Buy Rating Reconfirmed as Zilebesiran demonstrates significant growth potential
BMO Capital analyst Kostas Biliouris has maintained his bullish stance on Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (ALNY), giving a Buy rating due to the potential of its drug candidate Zilebesiran. Successful clinical trials have shown that Zilebesiran significantly reduces systolic blood pressure, positioning it as a competitive asset in the market. Biliouris believes that brand-name pricing for Zilebesiran could be justified if it achieves a reduction in blood pressure over 10 mmHg, and the drug's infrequent dosing requirement may give it an advantage over other treatments.
Mar 6, 2024
Sandoz biosimilars receive FDA approval for Amgen's popular bone drugs in the midst of a patent dispute.
Sandoz has obtained FDA approval for biosimilars to Amgen's Prolia and Xgeva, despite ongoing patent litigation. Sandoz's Jubbonti and Wyost are the first approved biosimilars to these drugs and can be used as interchangeable alternatives to the reference products. However, Sandoz has not commented on when it plans to launch the biosimilars due to legal disputes with Amgen. Amgen has filed a complaint against Sandoz for patent infringement, claiming that the biosimilars were approved before their relevant patents expire in 2037.
Mar 6, 2024
The Chief Financial Officer of Lilly Raises Concerns Over Potential Shortage of Demand for Obesity Drug
US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Co. is expanding the manufacturing capacity of its diabetes and weight-loss drug Zepbound to meet increasing demand. The drug, featuring the active ingredient tirzepatide, competes against Novo Nordisk's Wegovy. Concerns are growing over whether the production capacity will be sufficient to meet the demand, as both companies' shares have surged in recent years.
Mar 5, 2024
Study demonstrates that Semaglutide can lessen the severity of a specific liver disease in individuals with HIV
Weekly injections of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, were found to be safe and reduce liver fat by 31% in individuals with HIV and Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), according to a mid-stage study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The study also showed that 29% of participants experienced a complete resolution of MASLD. This marks the first trial to show the effects of semaglutide in HIV patients with this type of liver disease. Novo is conducting a separate late-stage trial for semaglutide in patients with MASLD.
Mar 5, 2024
Novo Nordisk Reports Ozempic Medication Reduces Likelihood of Kidney Complications - MarketWatch
Novo Nordisk's drug, Ozempic (Semaglutide), has shown promising results in reducing the risk of kidney disease-related events in diabetic patients by 24%, according to a recent clinical trial. This five-year study highlights the potential benefits of the weight-loss drug in managing diabetes and improving kidney health.
Mar 5, 2024
Formosa Pharma announces approval of Eyenovia's eye medication by US FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for Eyenovia's eye drops, which contain the steroid clobetasol propionate, to treat inflammation and pain in patients who have undergone eye surgery. The treatment, known as APP13007, was successful in reducing post-surgical eye inflammation and pain in two late-stage studies. Eyenovia plans to launch the product mid-year and aims to capture a significant share of the $1.3 billion annual market opportunity. Bausch + Lomb's Lotemax is another approved treatment for inflammation and pain after eye surgery.
Mar 5, 2024
Novo Nordisk Reports That Ozempic Medication Reduces Chance of Kidney Issues - Morningstar
Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug, Ozempic, which is also used to treat diabetes, has been found to reduce the risk of kidney disease-related events in diabetic patients by 24% according to a clinical trial conducted by the pharmaceutical company. The trial showed a significant reduction in kidney disease progression, major adverse cardiovascular events, and death in patients with chronic kidney disease. Novo Nordisk plans to seek regulatory approval for a label expansion of Ozempic in the US and European Union in 2024.
Mar 5, 2024
Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs to Begin Producing Its Own Medications - Fierce Healthcare
Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drug Company plans to manufacture its own generic medications, starting with sterile injectables. The company aims to address drug shortages and reduce healthcare costs by bypassing middlemen. It has built a manufacturing facility and intends to produce medications such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and pediatric chemotherapy. Cost Plus Drugs has partnered with several pharmacy benefit managers and is transparent in its pricing. The company's vision is to eliminate shortages in sterile injectables over the next five years. Cuban said the company is "not making money yet" but is focused on saving patients money.
Mar 5, 2024
Jazz Pharmaceuticals decision paves the way for a competitor's narcolepsy drug in the U.S., as reported by Yahoo Lifestyle Canada.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ordered Jazz Pharmaceuticals to de-list a patent related to its narcolepsy drug Xyrem from the FDA's register of approved medications. This decision allows rival drugmaker Avadel CNS Pharmaceuticals to sell its own narcolepsy drug Lumryz without any obstacles. The ruling was welcomed by Avadel, whose stock rose 4.2% following the news, while Jazz's stock fell 1.4%. The Federal Trade Commission supported Avadel in the case, arguing that the patent's inclusion in the FDA's register would harm customers and stifle competition.
Mar 5, 2024
Merck disputes the legitimacy of cancer-drug patents held by Johns Hopkins - According to a report by Bloomberg Law.
Mar 5, 2024
Sandoz receives FDA approval for first two biosimilars of Amgen's popular bone medication
FDA has approved Sandoz's biosimilars to Amgen's bone drug denosumab, signaling potential loss of market share for Amgen's blockbusters, Prolia and Xgeva. However, the launch date and the impact on prices are yet to be determined. Prolia and Xgeva collectively generated over $6 billion in revenue for Amgen last year.
Mar 5, 2024
Trial shows that Ozempic from Novo Nordisk significantly decreased the likelihood of kidney disease advancement in diabetes patients
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has announced that its blockbuster drug Ozempic has shown positive results in a late-stage trial, reducing the risk of kidney disease progression and related health complications in diabetic patients. The drug specifically lowered the risk of kidney disease progression, major cardiac events, and death by 24% compared to a placebo in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease. This adds to the growing evidence that Ozempic has broader health benefits beyond treating Type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk plans to file for expanded approval of Ozempic based on these results.
Mar 5, 2024
Fresh data from Novo Nordisk support the inclusion of kidney disease in Ozempic's label.
Novo Nordisk's blockbuster drug Ozempic has shown positive results in a clinical trial, reducing the risk of kidney disease complications by 24% in type 2 diabetes patients. Plans for U.S. and European regulatory submissions are in place to expand the drug's use to treat chronic kidney disease. Ozempic, an incretin drug, mimics a gut hormone to regulate blood sugar and has also been approved for obesity treatment. With approximately 40% of type 2 diabetes patients having chronic kidney disease, the trial results demonstrate the potential for Ozempic to be a GLP-1 treatment option.
Mar 4, 2024
Bayer invests $310 million to acquire stake in BridgeBio's cardiovascular drug - Yahoo Finance
Pharmaceutical company BridgeBio has partnered with Bayer to license the rights to an experimental medicine for the rare heart condition transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy. The drug, acoramidis, has shown promise in Phase 3 testing and is currently being reviewed by regulators in the US and Europe. BridgeBio will receive $310m upfront and near-term payments plus future milestone payments and royalties on European sales. The disease is a competitive area of drug research, and acoramidis could potentially generate peak yearly sales of $2bn.
Mar 4, 2024
Disruption on the horizon for the diabetes market, reports Drug Store News
Viral TikTok videos linking the herbal ingredient berberine to blood-sugar control and weight loss have led to a surge in sales of berberine supplements, according to market insights director Scott Dicker. Sales of the supplement increased from $350,000 per month in 2022 to $850,000 per month by the start of summer 2023. Berberine has been found to lower blood-sugar levels and improve insulin resistance, with some studies showing it to be equivalent to the drug metformin.
Mar 3, 2024
AstraZeneca's Lawsuit Against Medicare's Drug Price Negotiation Ends in Failure
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has lost its lawsuit against Medicare's drug price negotiation program, as a federal judge ruled that the company has no standing to challenge the law. AstraZeneca's claim that the law violated its rights under the Fifth Amendment was also dismissed by the judge. The decision is the first in a series of lawsuits filed by pharmaceutical companies opposing certain provisions of the law. AstraZeneca is currently assessing its options and expressed disappointment at the potential negative impact on patients' access to future life-saving medicines.
Mar 3, 2024
Concerns arise regarding the safety of asthma medication following reports of severe side effects in young children - The Guardian
The UK drugs regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), is reviewing the risks associated with the asthma drug montelukast after reports of traumatic side effects in children as young as three. Patients and their families are calling for more prominent warnings and stricter controls for the commonly prescribed drug, which has been linked to night terrors, depression, hallucinations, and suicidal behavior. The drug, which is sold under the brand name Singulair, has had a black box warning in the US since 2020. The MHRA is currently in the final stages of its review. None
Mar 3, 2024
Comparison between Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly: Which Pharmaceutical Stock is the Superior Investment Option? - Yahoo Finance
Pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly both have promising prospects for billion-dollar drugs in their portfolios. Novo Nordisk has a number of potential blockbuster drugs, including its popular obesity and type 2 diabetes treatments, while Eli Lilly's pipeline includes therapies for obesity and cardiovascular disease. While Eli Lilly may have slightly more opportunities for success, both companies are likely to produce high-earning medicines. The competition between the two is not intense, as the demand for their drugs is expected to remain high.
