Pharma News
18 Aug 2024 to 24 Aug 2024
Aug 23, 2024
AstraZeneca suggests potential move of Merseyside vaccine manufacturing site to the United States
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is considering closing its manufacturing site in Merseyside, UK and moving production to the US due to a funding dispute with the UK government. Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to reduce state funding for the vaccine manufacturing facility in Speke from £90 million to £40 million. AstraZeneca has warned the government that it may relocate the site to Philadelphia or move manufacturing to India, where it has previously produced vaccines. The company employs 8,300 staff across its UK sites. The UK government is in discussions with AstraZeneca to support the planned investment in Speke.
Aug 23, 2024
Bavarian Nordic, a pharmaceutical company from Denmark, finalizes agreement for 440,000 smallpox vaccine doses.
Bavarian Nordic, a Danish pharma company, has secured a deal to produce 440,000 MPOX vaccines in response to the accelerating MPOX (also known as monkeypox) outbreak in Africa. With the virus being declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation, the company is expanding its production network and aims to supply up to 2 million doses this year. Bavarian Nordic's shares rose following stronger-than-expected earnings, contributing to the success of Danish drugmakers like Novo Nordisk.
Aug 23, 2024
AstraZeneca Considers Shifting Vaccine Production Due to Declining State Assistance
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is considering relocating its vaccine manufacturing site from Merseyside, UK, to Philadelphia due to stalled negotiations with the UK government. The deadlock stems from a reduction in promised state aid, with the government wanting to cut financial support from £90m ($118m) to £40m. AstraZeneca is exploring alternative sites with more attractive financial incentives, including India. The potential relocation has raised concerns about the UK's position in the life sciences sector. AstraZeneca's investment in a new vaccine-manufacturing site is also under reconsideration.
Aug 23, 2024
Japanese study finds that Jazz's Epidiolex is ineffective in treating treatment-resistant epilepsies despite increasing sales
Jazz Pharmaceuticals' drug Epidiolex has failed to meet its primary endpoint in a late-stage study in Japan. The study evaluated Epidiolex as an adjunct treatment for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex in young Japanese patients, but did not meet the predetermined percentage change in seizure frequency compared to baseline. Despite this, Jazz Pharmaceuticals noted numeric improvements across primary and secondary endpoints and plans to engage with regulatory authorities in Japan for a potential new drug application. Epidiolex's global sales continue to grow, with the drug expected to generate $1.3 billion by 2030.
Aug 23, 2024
Ozempic from Novo Nordisk is a potential candidate for price negotiation with Medicare in 2027
The U.S. government's plan to negotiate Medicare drug prices has raised speculation about which drugs might be targeted in the next round of negotiations in 2027. Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, along with Pfizer's cancer drugs Ibrance and Xtandi, GSK's asthma treatment Trelegy Ellipta, Teva's Huntington's disease drug Austedo, and Abbvie's irritable bowel syndrome treatment Linzess are among the drugs that could be included. Some concern has been raised by the pharmaceutical industry, but pharmaceutical companies remain cautiously optimistic about the impact of the negotiations.
Aug 22, 2024
ST Pharm secures significant API supply contract with Gilead Sciences, according to sources from the pharmaceutical industry.
Korean API manufacturer ST Pharm has signed a contract to supply APIs for a global pharmaceutical company's blockbuster drug, believed to be Gilead Sciences' HIV treatment, Biktarvy. The deal comes as the US Biosecure Act impacts drug ingredient sourcing from China. ST Pharm expects to begin supplying production materials in 2025 and sees this agreement as an opportunity to enter the small molecule CDMO sector.
Aug 22, 2024
Health Canada gives green light to combination of Keytruda and Padcev for specific group of individuals with urothelial cancer
Merck has announced that Health Canada has approved its cancer drug Keytruda for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. This approval was based on positive results from a phase III trial, where Keytruda in combination with Padcev demonstrated significant improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy. Keytruda is already approved for various other indications.
Aug 22, 2024
Emerging Intellectual Property Patterns in the US Pharmaceutical Sector in Food, Drugs, Healthcare, and Life Sciences
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the pharmaceutical industry is expected to increase patenting of drug candidates generated by computer models, according to a study by IP consulting firm Dennemeyer. The study found that 66% of IP-industry panelists agreed or strongly agreed that AI will lead to more patents. However, challenges related to data ownership and identifying inventors were cited as potential hurdles. The study also revealed that 35% of respondents agreed that AI is likely to encourage pharmaceutical collaboration, while 49% believed that investing in open innovation and public-private partnerships is the best approach to balancing the need for IP protection with ensuring affordable access to medications.
Aug 21, 2024
Study Suggests Possible Connection Between Novo's Semaglutide and Increased Risk of Suicidal Ideation
Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 treatment semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, may be linked to a higher risk of suicidal ideation compared to other drugs, according to a study. The study, which drew data from the World Health Organization's safety database, found a significant association between semaglutide and suicidal thoughts. The risk was higher in patients taking antidepressants or benzodiazepine therapy. However, the study had limitations and did not establish causality. The FDA and European Medicines Agency previously investigated the safety of semaglutide but found no conclusive links to suicidal ideation.
Aug 21, 2024
Yuhan Corporation's stocks are surging following positive developments in its lung cancer treatment.
South Korean pharmaceutical company, Yuhan Corporation, saw a significant increase in its stock price after receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lung cancer treatment, "Lexarza" (Lasertinib), in combination with Johnson & Johnson's anticancer drug, "Librant" (Amivantamab). This marks the first time a domestic anticancer drug has been approved by the FDA. Yuhan Corporation is projected to receive substantial revenue from milestones and product sales royalties, leading to a positive outlook for the company's stock.
Aug 21, 2024
Yuhan's new lung cancer medication receives FDA approval for international release - KED Global
South Korean company Yuhan Corp.'s lung cancer treatment, Lazertinib, has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It will be used in combination with Johnson & Johnson's antibiotic, Rybrevant, as a first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lazertinib is the first antibiotic drug developed by a South Korean company and is expected to become the country's first blockbuster drug. The combination therapy has shown superiority over the currently dominant drug in the market. Yuhan aims to double its sales and join the ranks of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.
Aug 21, 2024
Shares of Divi's Labs increase by 5% after a US court halts FDA approval for Entresto drug.
Shares of Divi's Laboratories surged by 5% after a US court stayed the FDA's approval of a generic version of Novartis AG's heart failure drug, Entresto. The generic drug was manufactured by MSN Laboratories. Divi's Labs had concerns about potential competition in the US market, as their contract with Novartis for Entresto contributed 8% of its total sales. The court's decision provides relief to Divi's Labs and may prevent an earnings cut. In Q1 FY25, Divi's Labs reported a 21% YoY increase in net profit and a 19% rise in revenue from operations.
Aug 21, 2024
Lilly will conduct trials of Zepbound for psoriasis after positive results in weight-loss trials - MedWatch
Eli Lilly plans to conduct trials to test the combination of its weight-loss shot, Zepbound, with the psoriasis drug Taltz. The company is aiming to determine whether this combination enhances the effectiveness of the treatment. Additionally, Eli Lilly is exploring combination studies with Zepbound in inflammatory bowel disease, an immune disorder.
Aug 20, 2024
Johnson & Johnson set to acquire medical device manufacturer V-Wave for a potential $1.7 billion investment, as reported by AOL.com.
Johnson & Johnson is set to acquire V-Wave for up to $1.7 billion in a move to bolster its presence in the heart disease devices market. The deal includes an initial payment of $600 million, with additional payments contingent on regulatory and commercial milestones. The acquisition is part of Johnson & Johnson's strategy to drive growth beyond 2025 when its psoriasis drug, Stelara, is expected to face competition. V-Wave's device, which is not yet approved in the United States, aims to reduce heart failure and cardiovascular events.
Aug 20, 2024
FDA in the United States approves Johnson & Johnson's treatment for lung cancer that does not require chemotherapy - USNews.com
The FDA has approved Johnson & Johnson's chemotherapy-free combination treatment, Rybrevant, for non-small cell lung cancer patients with a mutated form of the EGFR gene. The drug, used in combination with J&J's existing drug lazertinib, is the first chemo-free therapy to beat the standard of care in the frontline setting. This approval sets up a challenge for AstraZeneca's Tagrisso, which is commonly used as a front-line treatment for NSCLC patients with an EGFR mutation.
Aug 20, 2024
Johnson & Johnson to acquire medical device company V-Wave for a maximum of $1.7 billion
Johnson & Johnson is set to acquire V-Wave, a privately held company, for up to $1.7 billion. The deal will strengthen J&J's presence in the heart disease devices market. J&J will initially pay $600 million, with potential additional payments based on certain milestones. This acquisition comes as part of J&J's strategy to drive growth beyond 2025, when its top-selling drug Stelara faces competition from biosimilars. V-Wave's device, aimed at reducing heart failure and cardiovascular events, has not yet received regulatory clearance in the US.
Aug 20, 2024
The share prices of two companies dropped following positive results in a drug study conducted by Eli Lilly for diabetes treatment.
Shares of Insulet and DexCom, two medical device companies that provide products for diabetes management, dropped significantly after a study revealed that Eli Lilly's drug effectively reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study showed that patients with prediabetes who were overweight or obese experienced a 94% reduction in progression risk after taking tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Eli Lilly's drug Zepbound. Both Insulet and DexCom have been facing challenges related to user growth outlook, and the positive effects of Lilly's drug could further impact their sales.
Aug 20, 2024
Johnson & Johnson announces plans to purchase Israeli medical technology company V-Wave in a strategic move - report by Ynetnews
Johnson & Johnson plans to acquire Israeli medical device maker V-Wave for up to $1.7bn. The deal, which will include an upfront payment of $600m, will boost Johnson & Johnson's earnings and strengthen its portfolio once the patent for its blockbuster drug Stelara expires. V-Wave specialises in a heart implant that reduces heart failure and related complications.
Aug 20, 2024
Combination therapy from J&J approved by US FDA for specific type of lung cancer
The U.S. FDA has approved Johnson & Johnson's chemotherapy-free combination therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. The therapy combines J&J's cancer drug, Rybrevant, with an older drug called lazertinib and is intended for first-line treatment in NSCLC patients with a mutated form of the EGFR gene. The approval was based on data showing that the Rybrevant combination extended the time patients lived without disease progression compared to AstraZeneca's drug, Tagrisso. NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, and the EGFR mutation occurs in 10%-15% of cases in the U.S.
Aug 20, 2024
Study reveals that Eli Lilly medication significantly reduces diabetes risk in obese individuals - Capital Brief
Eli Lilly & Co. announced that its weight-loss drug Zepbound significantly reduces the risk of developing diabetes by 94% in a three-year study involving obese and prediabetic patients. Patients taking the highest dose lost 23% of their body weight. Although the results are promising, it remains uncertain if Zepbound will receive regulatory approval for diabetes prevention. Some patients experienced weight regain and increased diabetes progression after stopping the treatment. Shares of Eli Lilly surged up to 4.9% upon the news.
Aug 20, 2024
Study Shows Eli Lilly's Medication Lowers Chance of Developing Diabetes, Supporting Wider Adoption of Treatment
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has announced preliminary results from a clinical trial showing that its metabolic disorder drug tirzepatide delayed the progression to type 2 diabetes in overweight and obese patients with prediabetes. The trial also demonstrated significant weight loss in participants. The three-year study showed that tirzepatide reduced the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes by 94% compared to a placebo. Detailed results will be submitted for peer review and presentation at an upcoming conference. tirzepatide-patent-expiration" style="color: #F36C42; font-weight:600";>Tirzepatide is the main ingredient in Lilly's drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound, used for type 2 diabetes and weight management respectively.
Aug 20, 2024
Zepbound by Lilly proves effective in preventing type 2 diabetes in obese individuals, reports Yahoo Finance.
Eli Lilly's drug Zepbound (tirzepatide) has shown effectiveness in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes in overweight or obese patients, according to a Phase III study. The SURMOUNT-1 trial found that pre-diabetes patients in the treatment group had a 94% reduction in the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes compared to placebo after three years of treatment. Zepbound, a glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist and gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor agonist, is expected to generate significant sales for the company. The drug also led to substantial weight reduction in patients.
Aug 20, 2024
Zepbound, a promising drug from Lilly, shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in obese individuals
Eli Lilly's drug Zepbound (tirzepatide) has shown efficacy in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in overweight or obese patients, according to Phase III trial data. Pre-diabetes patients in the treatment group experienced a 94% reduction in the risk of progressing to T2D compared to the placebo group after three years of treatment. Zepbound, a glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist (GLP-1ra) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIP) agonist, is predicted to generate sales of $27.42bn in 2030.
Aug 20, 2024
Potential of Eli Lilly's popular drug Tirzepatide in reducing risk for obesity and diabetes shown in a recent study - Benzinga
Eli Lilly And Company has announced positive results from its SURMOUNT-1 study, evaluating the drug tirzepatide for long-term weight management and delay in diabetes progression in adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or overweight. The study showed that tirzepatide significantly reduced the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes and led to weight reduction. The drug is sold as Zepbound for weight management and Mounjaro for diabetes. Eli Lilly's stock has risen by 2.19% in premarket trading.
Aug 20, 2024
AbbVie introduces a fresh Skyrizi advertisement following its ranking as the top spender on TV drug ads in July.
AbbVie continues to be the top spender on TV drug ads, with its immunology blockbuster Skyrizi leading the way. The latest 60-second ad focuses on the drug's psoriasis label, featuring two individuals confidently baring their skin thanks to Skyrizi. The ad highlights the drug's effectiveness and minimal dosing schedule. AbbVie spent $28.3 million on Skyrizi ads last month, making it the leading TV drug in terms of spend. Skyrizi, along with Rinvoq, is expected to help compensate for lost sales of AbbVie's Humira.
Aug 20, 2024
Lilly to Conduct Trials on Zepbound for Psoriasis After Positive Results in Weight Loss - BNN Bloomberg
Eli Lilly will begin recruiting for clinical trials to test its weight-loss shot, Zepbound, in combination with its psoriasis drug, Taltz, in order to determine if the combination can boost effectiveness. The company is looking to expand into the immunology market, using Zepbound's ability to address other health conditions such as diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. Lilly also purchased biotech company Morphic Therapeutic for its experimental pill for inflammatory bowel disease, which could be combined with Omvoh, its recently approved treatment for ulcerative colitis.
Aug 20, 2024
Johnson & Johnson announces plans to purchase Israeli medical device company V-Wave for a potential $1.7 billion
Johnson & Johnson will acquire Israeli medical device maker V-Wave for up to $1.7 billion. The deal aims to drive growth for J&J once its blockbuster drug Stelara loses patent protection. The acquisition includes an upfront payment of $600 million, with additional payments of up to $1.1 billion contingent on regulatory and commercial milestones. V-Wave's device, which helps reduce heart failure and other events, is still awaiting approval for use in the United States.
