Pharma News
18 Feb 2024 to 24 Feb 2024
Feb 24, 2024
Senators advocate for reforming prescription drug patents during Capitol Hill panel, reports DC dispatch - JURIST
US Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced bipartisan legislation to address the issue of pharmaceutical drug patents in the US. The legislation aims to limit the practice of "patent thickets," in which companies assert multiple patents on the same drug in order to extend their monopoly beyond the usual 20-year period. The legislation would restrict companies to asserting only one patent during litigation. The panel discussion also highlighted the high cost of prescription drugs in the US and the impact on patients.
Feb 23, 2024
BioMarin CEO Alexander Hardy says that for hemophilia A gene therapy Roctavian to succeed, three key elements must come together
BioMarin's gene therapy drug, Roctavian, has had a slow launch trajectory since its approval in Europe and the U.S. last year. The drug only treated three patients in 2023, resulting in $3.5 million in sales, much lower than Wall Street's estimate. However, BioMarin remains optimistic about the drug's potential and is working on addressing the challenges of patient demand and payer discussions. Meanwhile, the dwarfism drug Voxzogo has become the company's top priority and has seen significant sales growth. BioMarin is conducting a strategic review of its R&D programs to determine future assets.
Feb 23, 2024
Humira from AbbVie Presents a Model for Pharmaceutical Companies Managing Patent Expiration | BioSpace
AbbVie CEO Richard Gonzalez will retire in July after successfully navigating the loss of exclusivity for its blockbuster drug Humira. Despite facing competition from low-cost biosimilars, AbbVie has managed to maintain its market share, with Humira only losing 2% to biosimilars. The company's strategy of using patents to delay biosimilar competition has allowed it to preserve pricing power and generate over $200 billion in revenue from Humira. Other drugmakers, including Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, and Merck, have implemented similar strategies for their top-selling drugs.
Feb 22, 2024
Novo Nordisk reaches an agreement on legal disputes regarding generic forms of Wegovy and Ozempic - NJBIZ
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has settled two cases against Florida-based businesses, Cosmetic Laser Professionals Med Spa and Nuvida Rx Weight Loss, which allegedly sold unauthorised compounded versions of Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug Wegovy and diabetes shot Ozempic. The settlements bar the businesses from claiming their drugs are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, using Novo Nordisk trademarks or logos, and from misleading advertising. Novo Nordisk has filed lawsuits against 12 businesses in the past year, alleging false advertising and trademark infringement, and is seeking similar resolutions with other entities.
Feb 22, 2024
Innovative beauty routine combines weight loss method with cosmetic surgery for a slimmer and tighter look
Patients who have lost weight using the diabetes drug, Ozempic, are seeking plastic surgery procedures to combat the side effects. Dubbed "Ozempic face," this phenomenon has led to increased demand for facial fillers and lifts. Several other drug alternatives, including Wegovy and Mounjaro, have also seen sales soar as they help users lose weight quickly. The popularity of these drugs has sparked concerns about body image standards and the potential for unnecessary and expensive medical procedures.
Feb 22, 2024
Indian Pharmaceutical Companies Target Affordable Weight-Loss Treatments for Global Market
Indian pharmaceutical companies, including Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, and Lupin, are developing their own versions of Novo Nordisk's weight-loss treatment, Wegovy. With high obesity rates and a large population with type 2 diabetes in India, there is significant market potential for these drugs. The patents for Wegovy are set to expire between 2026 and 2032, allowing for generic versions and increased accessibility. Indian drugmakers are aiming to compete with Novo Nordisk's Wegovy by providing more affordable options.
Feb 22, 2024
Daiichi Sankyo is set to introduce another highly successful ADC drug, datopotamab deruxtecan, for...
The FDA has accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) for datopotamab deruxtecan, a drug developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, for the treatment of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The BLA submission was based on positive results from the Phase III TROPION-Lung01 study, which showed that the drug provided a significant improvement in progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy. Datopotamab deruxtecan is expected to be another blockbuster drug for the companies, with estimated earnings of $3.12 billion by 2029.
Feb 22, 2024
Polpharma Biologics' upcoming biosimilar demonstrates similar pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in comparison with current treatments for inflammation...
Polpharma Biologics has announced positive topline results from a study comparing the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic qualities of its biosimilar candidate PB016 to the reference drug Entyvio (vedolizumab). The study showed that PB016 demonstrated comparability to Entyvio in all investigated parameters, with no safety concerns or immunogenicity. Polpharma Biologics believes PB016 has the potential to be a more affordable option for the 3.5 million patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases in Europe and the US. The company is currently conducting a global clinical study to provide further evidence on the efficacy and safety of PB016.
Feb 22, 2024
Indian pharmaceutical companies develop new products to enter profitable market for weight-loss solutions
Indian pharmaceutical companies such as Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr Reddy's, and Lupin are developing their own versions of Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug Wegovy to cater to the growing demand in the weight-loss treatment market. With the market projected to exceed $100 billion annually by the end of the decade, companies are keen to capitalize on this trend. The entry of Indian generic drug manufacturers could boost global access to these medications, making them more affordable for consumers worldwide.
Feb 21, 2024
Study finds that Polpharma Biologics' new biosimilar demonstrates comparable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics - reported by BioSpace
Polpharma Biologics announces positive topline results from a study demonstrating the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics comparability of its biosimilar candidate, PB016, to the reference drug Entyvio. The results confirm PB016 as a potential more affordable option for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Polpharma Biologics is currently conducting further studies to provide evidence on the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of PB016 compared to the reference drug.
Feb 21, 2024
Daiichi Sankyo is set to introduce a new successful ADC drug with datopotamab deruxtecan according to GlobalData.
The FDA has accepted the BLA submission for the drug datopotamab deruxtecan, developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The drug, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), showed promising results in a Phase III study, with improved progression-free survival and overall response rates compared to standard chemotherapy. GlobalData estimates that the drug could earn $3.12 billion by 2029. The companies also have other ADCs in their pipeline, including the successful Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan).
Feb 21, 2024
Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk receive growth stock recognition due to increase in sales of weight-loss drug - as reported by ET HealthWorld
U.S.-based Eli Lilly and Denmark's Novo Nordisk are experiencing a surge in their shares due to the success of their weight-loss drugs, GLP-1 agonists. Analysts expect the market for obesity drugs to exceed $100 billion. Eli Lilly's market value recently surpassed electric automaker Tesla, making it the ninth-largest U.S.-listed company. Wall Street analysts predict significant growth for both companies in the coming years. However, the rally could be at risk if sales disappoint or if there are substantial increases in production costs or price reductions.
Feb 21, 2024
GSK claims that an HIV injection is more effective than daily pills for certain patients - report by the Irish Examiner
GSK's long-acting HIV drug, Cabenuva, has shown promising results in a trial, outperforming daily pills for patients who struggle with adherence. ViiV Healthcare, a unit of GSK, announced that all participants in the study will now be offered the injectable drug. Cabenuva, administered as two shots every four weeks, was approved in the US last year.
Feb 21, 2024
Polpharma Biologics' experimental biosimilar demonstrates similarity in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to... - Yahoo Finance
Polpharma Biologics has announced topline results showing the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) comparability of its biosimilar candidate PB016 to its reference drug, Entyvio (vedolizumab). The results confirm the potential of PB016 as a more affordable option for the 3.5 million patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases. The company is currently conducting a global clinical safety & efficacy study in patients with ulcerative colitis to provide further evidence of PB016's efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity.
Feb 20, 2024
Market for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Expected to Reach US$ - openPR.com
The global active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) market is predicted to reach $307.5 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4%. The market is driven by factors such as the increasing demand for generic drugs, outsourcing trends, the rise of biologics, and regulatory compliance requirements. Key players in the market include Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, and Boehringer Ingelheim. The market's competitive landscape includes established pharmaceutical companies, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), and emerging entities.
Feb 20, 2024
What are the next steps for Dr Reddy's, Cipla, and Sun Pharma after Revlimid? - Source: Moneycontrol
Indian pharmaceutical companies Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Dr. Reddy's have seen strong earnings due to sales of the blockbuster cancer drug Revlimid. However, their growth may be affected in the coming quarters due to the expected entry of competitors and the expiration of the drug's patent in 2026. The companies will need to find new sources of revenue to sustain earnings growth. Dr. Reddy's is looking at acquisitions and faster product filings, while Cipla is banking on the launch of respiratory drug Advair and cancer drug Abraxane. Sun Pharma is focusing on global specialty products to reduce dependence on US generics.
Feb 20, 2024
AbbVie names new CEO amidst increased competition for popular drug Humira
Richard Gonzalez, the founding CEO of AbbVie Inc., will step down on July 1 and will be replaced by the current president and COO, Robert Michael. Gonzalez will become the executive chair of the board of directors. The leadership change comes as AbbVie deals with competition for its autoimmune drug Humira and closes acquisitions. Gonzalez praised Michael for his role in navigating the transition of Humira. AbbVie has been planning for the CEO succession for some time and has ensured the right plan is in place for a potential successor.
Feb 19, 2024
AstraZeneca's Medication Demonstrates Effectiveness in Slowing Advanced Lung Cancer Advancement - BNN Bloomberg
AstraZeneca's shares rose after trial data showed that its drug, Tagrisso, slowed disease progression in patients with advanced lung cancer. The trial focused on Tagrisso as a maintenance therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer and a specific genetic mutation. AstraZeneca stated that the trial demonstrated a significant improvement in progression-free survival for patients who had received initial chemoradiation. Tagrisso was recently approved by the US FDA for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The drug is currently AstraZeneca's top oncology earner.
Feb 19, 2024
FDA to review lung cancer antibody developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca’s datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The drug is a TROP2-directed antibody-drug conjugate and has shown positive results in a Phase III trial. AstraZeneca's Tagrisso and Enhertu are also expected to gain more approvals in the cancer market, and the non-small cell lung cancer market is predicted to reach over $45.4bn by 2031.
Feb 18, 2024
Illinois woman suffers severe esophageal tear while vomiting after taking Ozempic
A woman from Illinois has filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, claiming that the company's diabetes and weight loss drug Ozempic caused her to experience extreme vomiting, pain, and a blocked bowel. She alleges that the vomiting resulted in a torn esophagus and a week-long hospital stay. The lawsuit is part of a growing legal campaign, with nearly 60 lawsuits filed against the company by patients who suffered severe side effects from the drug. The legal action also includes patients who used Novo Nordisk's other drug, Wegovy. The plaintiffs claim that they were not adequately warned about the drug's side effects. Novo Nordisk has stated that it believes the allegations are without merit and will vigorously defend itself.
Feb 18, 2024
Approval of Zepbound, an Obesity Drug, Announced by Eli Lilly - as per Onetouchinvest
Eli Lilly and Company has received FDA approval for the drug tirzepatide, which will now be marketed as Zepbound for chronic weight management. This approval positions Eli Lilly as a key player in the obesity drug market, which is predicted to reach $100 billion by 2030. Zepbound's mechanism of action involves activating naturally produced hormones to suppress hunger signals. Despite safety concerns and challenges with insurance coverage, Eli Lilly's CEO is confident in the company's ability to meet the demand for Zepbound.
