Pharma News
11 May 2025 to 17 May 2025
May 17, 2025
Novo Nordisk's CEO resigns following challenges in the obesity medication market | The Express Tribune
Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen will step down after eight years amid rising competition in the obesity drug market, particularly affecting its products Wegovy and Ozempic. The leadership change follows a 50% drop in share price and disappointing trial results for CagriSema. The company is searching for a successor while maintaining its current strategy.
May 17, 2025
CEO of Novo Nordisk resigns | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Novo Nordisk A/S CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen is stepping down amid market challenges and a 54% decline in share price since mid-2024. The company, known for its weight loss drug Wegovy and diabetes medication Ozempic, recently downgraded sales forecasts. A study showed competitor Eli Lilly's Zepbound outperformed Wegovy in weight loss. Jorgensen will assist in the transition.
May 17, 2025
Novo Nordisk's CEO, responsible for the weight loss medication Wegovy, will resign following a decline in stock prices.
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk A/S announced the resignation of CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen amid recent market challenges and a significant decline in share price, down over 50% since mid-2024. The company, known for its weight loss drug Wegovy and diabetes medication Ozempic, faces competition from cheaper alternatives and a recent study favoring Eli Lilly's Zepbound.
May 17, 2025
Novo Nordisk's CEO resigns following decline in stock value | Jefferson City News Tribune
Novo Nordisk A/S announced the resignation of CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen amid recent market challenges and a significant drop in share price, which has fallen over 50% since mid-2024. The decline follows a downgrade in sales forecasts and competition from cheaper replica drugs. Wegovy and Ozempic, both containing semaglutide, have faced increased competition, notably from Eli Lilly's Zepbound.
May 16, 2025
Opinion Piece: Strategies for Reducing Drug Costs in the US While Preserving Innovation - Boulder Daily Camera
The White House plans to align U.S. drug prices with those in other countries, addressing the significant price disparities for medications like Wegovy and Keytruda. The proposed most-favored-nation pricing could lower U.S. costs while potentially raising prices abroad. This strategy aims to rectify the imbalance where Americans subsidize global pharmaceutical innovation.
May 16, 2025
Novo's CEO is departing, while hospitals are producing medications - STAT News
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen is stepping down as CEO of Novo Nordisk after eight years, amid recent market challenges and a significant drop in share price. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is promoting a new initiative, Equip-A-Pharma, to produce essential drugs like levetiracetam and linezolid closer to patients, potentially addressing drug shortages.
May 16, 2025
Novo Nordisk's CEO, known for the weight loss medication Wegovy, is set to resign - ABC News
Novo Nordisk A/S announced the resignation of CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen due to recent market challenges and a significant drop in share price, over 50% since mid-2024. The decline follows competition from cheaper replica drugs and a study showing Eli Lilly's Zepbound outperformed Wegovy in weight loss. Jorgensen will assist in the transition period.
May 16, 2025
Novo Nordisk's CEO Lars Jorgensen, who guided the company in developing weight loss medications, is set to resign.
Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen is stepping down amid market challenges and a 54% decline in share price since mid-2024. The company cited competition from cheaper replica drugs and a recent study showing Eli Lilly's Zepbound as a more effective weight loss option. Jorgensen will assist in the transition period.
May 16, 2025
Novo Nordisk is set to appoint a new CEO, Lars Jorgensen, as the company faces intense rivalry in the obesity medication sector.
Novo Nordisk A/S announced the resignation of CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen by mutual agreement, amid recent market challenges and a significant drop in share price, over 50% since mid-2024. The company, known for its weight loss drug Wegovy and diabetes medication Ozempic, is now seeking new leadership as it faces a downgraded sales forecast.
May 16, 2025
Novo Nordisk's CEO, who oversees the weight loss medication Wegovy, is set to resign following a decline in share prices.
Novo Nordisk A/S announced the resignation of CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen due to recent market challenges and a significant drop in share price, which has fallen over 50% since mid-2024. The company, known for its weight loss drug Wegovy and diabetes medication Ozempic, faces increased competition and has downgraded its sales forecasts.
May 16, 2025
EPO cancels an additional patent held by Novo Nordisk for the medications Ozempic and Wegovy.
Novo Nordisk's patent EP 2 866 825 for semaglutide, used in its diabetes drug Ozempic and weight-loss injection Wegovy, has been revoked by the EPO Boards of Appeal due to lack of inventive step. Teva, Generics UK, and Galenicum Health opposed the patent. Novo Nordisk is currently defending multiple patents related to semaglutide amid ongoing legal challenges.
May 16, 2025
Developers of weight-loss medications are positioning themselves to enter a profitable market as competition intensifies.
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are competing in the weight-loss drug market, with Lilly's Zepbound gaining ground over Novo's Wegovy. Novo is developing several drugs, including amycretin and CagriSema, while Lilly's orforglipron and retatrutide show promising results. Other companies like Pfizer, Roche, and Amgen are also advancing obesity treatments, intensifying the competition in this lucrative sector.
May 15, 2025
Abbott India's quarterly earnings increase by 28% due to robust demand.
Abbott India reported a 28% increase in fourth-quarter profit, reaching 3.67 billion rupees ($43 million), driven by strong demand for gastrointestinal and anti-infective medications. Revenue rose 11.5% to 16.05 billion rupees, with notable sales from Rybelsus, the oral version of semaglutide. The company's performance reflects robust growth in its drug portfolio, particularly in anti-diabetic and cardiovascular segments.
May 15, 2025
Worldwide Market for Antiviral Medications Projected to Hit USD 89.68 Billion by 2033 Due to Increasing Demand...
The global antiviral drugs market is projected to grow from USD 61.42 billion in 2023 to USD 89.68 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 3.9%. Key players like Roche, Gilead Sciences, and Cipla are driving innovation amid patent expiries of drugs such as Combivir and Tamiflu, enhancing competition and affordability, particularly in developing countries.
May 15, 2025
Exploring the Boundaries of the Public Health Exception for Patents in India - Mondaq
The Calcutta High Court ruled in favor of ITC Limited, challenging the rejection of its patent application for a nicotine aerosol device under Section 3(b) of the Patents Act, 1970. The court emphasized that patentability should not be denied based on public health concerns alone, setting a precedent for future tobacco-related inventions.
May 15, 2025
Regeneron secures over $400 million victory from jury in dispute with Amgen over cholesterol medication - Endpoints News
A Delaware jury awarded Regeneron over $400 million in damages in its ongoing antitrust case against Amgen. The ruling marks a significant victory for Regeneron in its legal battle concerning competitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry.
May 15, 2025
Market Unfazed by Drugmaker's Recovery Efforts - Benzinga
BeiGene Ltd. has reported its first quarterly profit, driven by a 62% increase in sales of its cancer drug, Zanubrutinib (Brukinsa), which generated $792 million. The company is rebranding to BeOne Medicines Ltd. and relocating its headquarters to Switzerland. Additionally, sales of tislelizumab (Tevimbra) rose 18%, contributing to a total product revenue of $1.1 billion.
May 15, 2025
BeiGene marks a significant profit achievement driven by rising pharmaceutical sales - Insights for global investors in Chinese stocks.
BeiGene Ltd. has reported its first quarterly profit, driven by a 62% increase in sales of its cancer drug, Zanubrutinib (Brukinsa), which generated $792 million. The company plans to rebrand as BeOne Medicines Ltd. and relocate its headquarters to Switzerland. Additionally, sales of tislelizumab (Tevimbra) rose 18%, contributing to a total product revenue of $1.1 billion.
May 15, 2025
US jury rules that Amgen must pay $406 million for dominating the cholesterol medication market - WSAU
A federal jury in Delaware ruled that Amgen must pay Regeneron over $406 million for anticompetitive practices related to its cholesterol drug Repatha, which harmed Regeneron's rival drug Praluent. The verdict includes $271.2 million in punitive damages. Regeneron accused Amgen of unlawfully bundling Repatha with other drugs to gain market advantage. Amgen denies wrongdoing.
May 15, 2025
Opinion Piece: Strategies for Reducing Drug Costs in the US While Preserving Innovation - Manhattan Mercury
The White House plans to align U.S. drug prices with those in other countries, addressing the significant price disparities for medications like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Merck's Keytruda. The proposed most-favored-nation pricing aims to lower costs while balancing the need for continued innovation. Policymakers seek to rectify the longstanding issue of Americans overpaying for prescriptions.
May 14, 2025
US Orphan Drug Market Presents a $200 Billion Opportunity - BioSpace
The US orphan drug market is projected to reach US$ 200 billion by 2030, driven by over 700 marketed orphan drugs, with oncology leading sales. Keytruda, a major player with orphan designations for 10 cancers, generated US$ 29.4 billion in 2024. Companies like Pfizer, Merck, and Takeda are expanding their R&D efforts in rare diseases, intensifying market competition.
May 14, 2025
GSK Acquires Liver Treatment for As Much As $2 Billion to Enhance Its Pipeline - NDTV Profit
GSK Plc has agreed to acquire the experimental liver disease treatment efimosfermin from Boston Pharmaceuticals for up to $2 billion, aiming to enhance its drug pipeline. The medicine, which shows promise in reversing liver fibrosis, is set for final clinical trials. GSK will pay $1.2 billion upfront, with potential milestone payments of $800 million.
May 14, 2025
GSK set to acquire liver disease medication for up to $2 billion - The Business Times
GSK has agreed to acquire the experimental liver disease treatment efimosfermin from Boston Pharmaceuticals for up to $2 billion. The drug, which is set to enter final clinical trials, shows promise in treating fatty liver disease. GSK will pay $1.2 billion upfront, with an additional $800 million in potential milestone payments.
May 14, 2025
FDA Accelerates Approval Process for AbbVie's Emrelis, a New Treatment for Challenging Lung Cancer Cases
The FDA has granted accelerated approval to AbbVie Inc.'s Emrelis (telisotuzumab vedotin-tllv) for adults with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer exhibiting high c-Met protein overexpression. The approval is based on a 35% overall response rate from the Phase 2 LUMINOSITY study. Additionally, Roche's VENTANA MET assay was approved as a companion diagnostic for Emrelis.
May 14, 2025
Europe Struggles with Trump's Drug Pricing Directive Designed to Increase Costs Overseas
U.S. President Donald Trump's new executive order aims to pressure European countries to raise prescription drug prices, highlighting disparities where Europeans pay significantly less than Americans. The directive has alarmed the pharmaceutical industry, with companies like Novo Nordisk, known for drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, and AstraZeneca responding cautiously. European governments are assessing potential impacts amid concerns over trade tensions and healthcare affordability.
May 13, 2025
Market Analysis of Generic Oncology Medications: Size, Growth Trends, Demand, and Data Projections for 2025 - 2032
The global Generic Oncology Drugs market is projected to grow at a 7.2% CAGR from 2025 to 2032, driven by patent expirations and rising cancer incidence. Key players include Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Mylan, and Roche. The market aims to improve access to affordable cancer treatments, particularly in price-sensitive regions like India, while navigating regulatory challenges and intense price competition.
May 13, 2025
Recent Federal Court Cases: Safeguarding Pharmaceutical Patents | JD Supra
This week, the Federal Circuit addressed significant pharmaceutical patent cases. In Incyte Corp. v. Sun Pharm., the court denied Incyte's appeal due to lack of standing regarding a patent for ruxolitinib. In Jazz Pharms. v. Avadel CNS Pharms., the court partially reversed an injunction against Avadel's Lumryz, questioning the scope of patent infringement under 35 U.S.C. § 271.
May 13, 2025
Trump's latest drug pricing initiative could negatively impact the Indian pharmaceutical sector - NewsBytes
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating that US drug prices align with the lowest rates from other developed countries. This move could significantly impact generic drug exporters like India, potentially forcing them to reduce prices to stay competitive in the US market, as global pharmaceutical companies may need to cut branded drug prices by up to two-thirds.
May 12, 2025
UTC Files Lawsuit to Prevent the Release of Liquidia's Competing Lung Medication - Bloomberg Law
United Therapeutics Corp. has filed a federal lawsuit to prevent the imminent launch of Liquidia Corp.'s Yutrepia, a treatment for lung disease, claiming it infringes on a patent for its drug Tyvaso DPI. The lawsuit highlights that Yutrepia's dosing instructions mirror those protected by UTC's patent, as both drugs target high blood pressure in the lungs.
May 12, 2025
Novartis will continue the production of medications for malaria and leprosy | FMT - Free Malaysia Today
Swiss drugmaker Novartis will continue producing malaria and leprosy medicines despite potential funding cuts, committing to 28 million malaria treatment courses annually at not-for-profit prices. President Dr. Lutz Hegemann emphasized the need for innovative distribution methods and announced plans to invest $490 million in research for malaria and neglected tropical diseases by 2025, nearly double its initial pledge.
May 12, 2025
Trump plans to issue an executive order aimed at reducing the costs of prescription medications.
President Donald Trump announced plans to sign an executive order aimed at reducing prescription drug prices in the U.S. by 30-80% through a “most favored nation” policy. This measure could lead to increased drug prices in other countries, addressing the significant disparity where U.S. drug prices are 2.56 times higher than in other OECD nations.
May 12, 2025
Medication for high blood pressure in adults proves beneficial for children with butterfly skin | Science
A gene therapy approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) offers hope for patients with epidermolysis bullosa, healing 70% of wounds in three months. Additionally, losartan, a hypertension drug, shows promise in treating skin lesions. Crowd Pharma is seeking €5-10 million for clinical trials to validate losartan's efficacy, highlighting the potential of drug repurposing in rare diseases.
May 12, 2025
Weight loss drug showdown: Zepbound outperforms Wegovy by almost 50%
In a head-to-head study, Eli Lilly's obesity drug, Zepbound, demonstrated superior weight loss compared to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, with participants losing an average of 50 pounds versus 33 pounds, respectively. The trial involved 751 participants and highlighted the effectiveness of tirzepatide, which targets two hormones, compared to semaglutide's single-hormone approach. Both drugs have gained popularity despite access and affordability challenges.
May 12, 2025
Trump announces plans to mandate that the U.S. pays the same prices for certain medications as other countries.
President Trump announced plans to sign an executive order on Monday aimed at reducing Medicare drug costs by implementing a "Most Favored Nation" policy, linking U.S. prices to the lowest prices paid by other countries. The proposal, which targets certain drugs like cancer treatments, may face opposition from the pharmaceutical industry, which argues it could hinder innovation.
May 12, 2025
J&J's Oral Medication for Psoriasis Achieves Key Objective in Final Phase Trial - TradingView
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) announced positive results from the phase III ICONIC-TOTAL study of its oral peptide icotrokinra for plaque psoriasis, showing 57% of patients achieved significant skin clearance. The drug outperformed placebo in sensitive areas, including scalp and genital psoriasis. J&J is also exploring icotrokinra for inflammatory bowel disease, with potential sales estimated at $5 billion.
May 11, 2025
Zepbound outperforms Wegovy in initial direct comparison of popular weight loss medications.
In a head-to-head study, Eli Lilly's obesity drug, Zepbound (tirzepatide), demonstrated nearly 50% greater weight loss compared to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide). Participants on Zepbound lost an average of 50 pounds over 72 weeks, while those on Wegovy lost 33 pounds. Both drugs are crucial in addressing obesity, affecting 40% of U.S. adults.
May 11, 2025
Zepbound outperforms Wegovy in initial direct comparison for weight loss - Southeast Missourian
In a head-to-head study, Eli Lilly's obesity drug Zepbound (tirzepatide) demonstrated nearly 50% greater weight loss compared to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide). Participants on Zepbound lost an average of 50 pounds over 72 weeks, while those on Wegovy lost 33 pounds. Both drugs target appetite-regulating hormones, with Zepbound affecting two hormones for enhanced efficacy.
