Pharma News
This Week
Feb 25, 2026
Korean biosimilars prepare for a surge of major patent expirations
The global pharmaceutical market faces a significant patent cliff, with around 200 drugs, including blockbuster medications like MSD's Keytruda and Bristol Myers Squibb's Opdivo, losing exclusivity by 2030. Korean companies, notably Celltrion and Samsung Bioepis, are racing to develop biosimilars to capitalize on these opportunities, conducting clinical trials for drugs like CT-P51 and SB27 to secure market share.
Feb 24, 2026
Merck's Keytruda Expected to Maintain Its Leading Position for Several More Years, Potentially Worth Billions
Merck's Keytruda, a leading cancer drug, may enjoy extended exclusivity beyond the expected 2028 patent expiration, potentially generating an additional $22 billion in sales through 2033, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. The analysis highlights Merck's robust patent portfolio and the recent approval of Keytruda Qlex, which could further delay revenue erosion amid upcoming biosimilar competition.
Feb 24, 2026
Exploring the Conflict Surrounding Elevated Prescription Drug Prices in the United States | FRONTLINE - PBS
The Trump administration has launched TrumpRx, a website aimed at helping U.S. consumers purchase affordable prescription drugs. This initiative highlights ongoing concerns over high drug prices, as explored in the 2003 documentary "The Other Drug War." The film examined the struggles of seniors seeking cheaper medications and the debate over government price controls, which remain contentious today.
Feb 24, 2026
Weight-loss medications expected to see price reductions - The Times of India
The Indian anti-obesity market is set for a transformation as several pharma companies, including Sun Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, and Dr Reddy's, prepare to launch affordable versions of semaglutide-based drugs Wegovy and Ozempic following the patent expiry. Analysts predict a significant price drop, potentially making generics 50% cheaper, and expect the market to double in a year.
Feb 24, 2026
Eli Lilly Declines Following Price Reductions by Novo Nordisk - TradingView
Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) shares fell in premarket trading following Novo Nordisk A/S's announcement to cut U.S. list prices for its GLP-1 drugs, including Wegovy and Ozempic, by 35% to 50% starting in 2027. This pricing strategy aims to enhance affordability, intensifying competition in the obesity and diabetes treatment market, where Lilly's Zepbound and Mounjaro are also competing.
Feb 24, 2026
Novo Nordisk plans to reduce the US list price of Wegovy by 50% starting in 2027.
Novo Nordisk announced a significant price reduction for its diabetes and weight-loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, cutting U.S. list prices by up to 50% to $675 per month, effective January 1. This move coincides with new Medicare pricing and aims to alleviate costs for insured patients. The price cuts also apply to Rybelsus, amid increasing competition in the GLP-1 drug market.
Feb 24, 2026
Prices for Ozempic and Wegovy are set to decrease by 50% by 2027 | 104.7 KISS FM Phoenix
Novo Nordisk will reduce the U.S. list prices of its diabetes and weight-loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, by up to 50%, effective January 1, 2027. The new monthly price will be $675, down from $1,349 for Wegovy and $1,028 for Ozempic. This move aims to enhance affordability for patients amid increasing competition from Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Mounjaro.
Feb 24, 2026
Well-known weight-loss medications are becoming more affordable due to a competitive pricing battle - Yahoo Finance
Novo Nordisk plans to reduce the list prices of its GLP-1 drugs, including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, to $675 a month starting January 1, 2027. This represents a 50% cut for Ozempic and 35% for Wegovy, aimed at improving affordability for insured patients. The move comes amid intense competition in the weight-loss drug market.
Feb 24, 2026
Novo Nordisk plans to reduce the US list price of Wegovy by 50% starting in 2027 - WTAQ
Novo Nordisk announced it will reduce the U.S. list prices of its diabetes and weight-loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, by up to 50% starting January 1, 2024, bringing the price to $675 a month. This move aims to benefit consumers linked to list prices, amid increasing competition in the GLP-1 drug market.
Feb 24, 2026
Widespread price competition leads to lower costs for popular weight-loss medications - Deseret News
Novo Nordisk plans to cut prices for its weight-loss drug Wegovy by 35% and diabetes drug Ozempic by 50%, effective January 1, 2027. The new monthly cost will be $675 for insured patients. This move aims to enhance affordability amid intense competition in the GLP-1 drug market, where rivals like Eli Lilly are also reducing prices.
Feb 24, 2026
Novo plans to reduce prices for Ozempic and Wegovy in response to growing competition - The Detroit News
Novo Nordisk will reduce the list prices of its diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy to $675 per month starting January 1, 2027, down from over $1,000. This move aims to enhance affordability for insured consumers. The price cuts come amid competition from Eli Lilly's Zepbound and following disappointing results for Novo's CagriSema in weight-loss trials.
Feb 24, 2026
Novo Nordisk plans to reduce the US list prices of Wegovy and Ozempic starting in 2027 - Capital Brief
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk announced it will reduce the US list prices of its weight loss drugs, including Wegovy and Ozempic, by up to 50% starting January 1, 2027. The new monthly price will be USD675, aiming to increase market share and improve access for over 100 million Americans with obesity and 35 million with type 2 diabetes.
Feb 24, 2026
Novo Nordisk plans to reduce the US list price of Wegovy by 50% starting in 2027 - WHTC
Novo Nordisk announced it will reduce the U.S. list prices of its diabetes and weight-loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, by up to 50% starting January 1, 2024, bringing the price to $675 a month. This move aims to benefit consumers linked to list prices, amid increasing competition in the GLP-1 drug market.
Feb 24, 2026
Merck & Co plans to establish an independent cancer division in light of impending patent expirations - The Economic Times
Merck & Co is restructuring its drug division into two separate businesses to highlight its fastest-growing medicines, particularly as the cancer therapy Keytruda approaches patent expiration. The company aims to focus on newer products, including a pneumonia vaccine and a lung disease treatment, as pivotal drivers for its next growth phase.
Feb 24, 2026
Novo plans to reduce prices for Ozempic and Wegovy in response to growing competition.
Novo Nordisk will reduce the list prices of its weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy to $675 per month starting January 1, 2027, down from over $1,000. This move aims to improve affordability for insured consumers. The announcement follows disappointing results for its new drug CagriSema compared to Eli Lilly's Zepbound, which has gained market share.
Feb 24, 2026
Novo Nordisk plans to reduce the prices of GLP-1 medications beginning in 2027 - Sherwood News
Novo Nordisk announced it will reduce the list prices of its GLP-1 drugs, including the weight-loss drug Wegovy by up to 50% and diabetes drug Ozempic by 35%, starting next year. This decision aims to improve access for patients facing high out-of-pocket costs, amid increasing competition from Eli Lilly's more effective offerings.
Feb 24, 2026
Major pharmaceuticals are set to encounter a significant patent expiration wave in 2026 | Drug Discovery News
The pharmaceutical industry faces a significant patent cliff in 2026, with major drugs like Merck's Januvia and Janumet, and Pfizer's Xeljanz set to lose exclusivity. This shift could lead to over $230 billion in lost revenue as generics enter the market. Companies like Bristol Myers Squibb also face challenges with Eliquis, highlighting the need for strategic adaptation.
Feb 24, 2026
Apotex is set to launch a $1 billion IPO - The Globe and Mail
Apotex Inc., Canada’s largest pharmaceutical company, plans to go public with a share sale worth up to $1 billion, following its acquisition by SK Capital Partners LP in 2023. The IPO aims to highlight Apotex's commitment to affordable medicine and will be led by CEO Allan Oberman, a former Teva executive. This would mark the largest IPO on the Toronto Stock Exchange since 2021.
Feb 24, 2026
Foreign direct investment in the pharmaceutical sector has not led to technology transfers, and policymakers should maintain their current stance.
Novartis AG's exit from its Indian subsidiary highlights a trend of multinational drug companies reducing operations in India, focusing instead on high-value imports. Despite India's adoption of product patents in 2005, stringent regulations hinder foreign investment and R&D. Policymakers are urged to maintain current patent policies to support domestic growth and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.
Feb 24, 2026
BioRestorative Therapies Secures Patent for Groundbreaking Brown Adipose-Derived Technology...
BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. announced the allowance of a patent for its ThermoStem® technology, aimed at treating obesity and metabolic disorders using brown adipose-derived stem cells. This development positions BioRestorative as a potential alternative to GLP-1 drugs, which face tolerability and safety concerns. CEO Lance Alstodt emphasized the importance of expanding their global patent protection in this competitive field.
Feb 24, 2026
Understanding the Delhi High Court's Decision: The Connection Between Injunctive Relief and Patents...
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories in a patent dispute with Novo Nordisk over Semaglutide, a diabetes and obesity drug. The court allowed Dr. Reddy’s to manufacture and export the drug to non-patent jurisdictions but prohibited sales in India, citing a credible challenge to the patent's validity. The ruling emphasizes the balance between patent rights and competition.
Feb 24, 2026
BioRestorative Enhances Worldwide Safeguards for ThermoStem®, a Promising Long-Term Solution...
BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. has received patent approval in Australia for its ThermoStem® technology, which utilizes brown adipose-derived stem cells to potentially treat obesity and metabolic disorders. This development aims to provide safer, longer-lasting alternatives to GLP-1 drugs, which have limitations such as tolerability issues and cardiovascular risks. CEO Lance Alstodt emphasized the company's commitment to advancing cell-based therapies.
Feb 24, 2026
A Comprehensive Guide to Biosimilars and Patents in the UK - Mondaq
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) defines biosimilars as biological medicines highly similar to approved reference medicines. Developers must demonstrate comparability through studies, benefiting from prior clinical trials. Initiatives like the Bolar Exemption and SPC manufacturing waivers aim to enhance market access for biosimilars, promoting competition and affordability while balancing innovators' IP rights.
Feb 24, 2026
Merck plans to establish a distinct division for cancer treatment in anticipation of the impending patent expiration for Keytruda - ET Pharma
Merck announced the creation of a separate division for its cancer business, centered around its leading drug Keytruda, ahead of its patent expiry in 2028. This restructuring aims to enhance pipeline success and may allow for future spin-offs. Keytruda, the world's best-selling prescription medicine, generated over $30 billion in 2025, constituting nearly half of Merck's revenue.
Feb 23, 2026
Merck & Co plans to separate its cancer division in anticipation of the Keytruda patent expiration - Sharecast.com
Merck & Co is spinning off its oncology operations to shield its broader healthcare business from an impending patent cliff for its blockbuster drug Keytruda. The company will create two units: one for cancer and another for non-cancer assets. This restructuring aims to enhance focus on innovative medicines as Keytruda faces competition from generics starting in 2028.
Feb 23, 2026
Generic Pharmaceuticals Market Expected to Grow to USD 942.69 Billion by 2033 | - openPR.com
The Generic Drugs Market is projected to grow from USD 508.47 billion in 2024 to USD 942.69 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 7.1%. This growth is driven by patent expirations, rising healthcare costs, and increasing demand for affordable medications. Key players include Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Sandoz, and Amneal Pharmaceuticals, among others.
Feb 23, 2026
Eli Lilly introduces the Zepbound pen, providing a month's supply of doses - Redmayne Bentley
Eli Lilly & Co has launched a new multi-dose Zepbound pen, providing a month's worth of doses for obesity treatment. The announcement boosted shares by 3.6%. Zepbound, which contains tirzepatide, outperformed Novo Nordisk's CagriSema in clinical trials, achieving 25.5% weight loss compared to CagriSema's 23%. The KwikPen aims to enhance patient choice in obesity management.
Feb 23, 2026
Eli Lilly introduces monthly multidose Zepbound pens through LillyDirect - TechTarget
Eli Lilly has launched the KwikPen, a multi-dose option for its obesity drug Zepbound, following FDA approval for label expansion. The device allows patients to administer a month's worth of doses in one injection. Priced at $299 for the lowest dose, it aims to enhance convenience in obesity treatment. Zepbound is also available in single-dose formats.
Feb 23, 2026
Novo Nordisk Declines While Lilly Rises Following Surprising Results from Obesity Medication Trial - TradingView
Novo Nordisk's shares dropped over 12% after its late-stage trial for CagriSema, a combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide, showed weaker weight loss results compared to Eli Lilly's tirzepatide. CagriSema achieved a 20.2% weight loss after 84 weeks, falling short of the 23.6% seen with tirzepatide, raising concerns about its market competitiveness.
Feb 23, 2026
Eli Lilly introduces a new version of Zepbound - Becker's Hospital Review
Eli Lilly has launched a multidose version of its weight loss drug Zepbound (tirzepatide), approved by the FDA, featuring a KwikPen that provides a month’s treatment in a single injection. Available through LillyDirect, prices start at $299 per month. tirzepatide-patent-expiration" style="color: #F36C42; font-weight:600";>Tirzepatide is also marketed as Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes, with a similar KwikPen already offered.
Feb 23, 2026
Merck plans to establish an independent cancer division in anticipation of the impending expiration of the Keytruda patent - WKZO
Merck announced the creation of a separate division for its cancer business, centered around its leading drug Keytruda, as it prepares for the drug's patent expiry in 2028. This restructuring aims to enhance pipeline success and may allow for future business spin-offs. Analysts note the need for improved execution to counteract upcoming patent pressures.
Feb 23, 2026
Eli Lilly introduces the Zepbound pen, providing a month's supply of doses - Sharecast.com
Eli Lilly & Co launched a new multi-dose KwikPen for its obesity drug Zepbound, allowing a month's worth of doses in one device. Shares rose 3.6% following news that Novo Nordisk's CagriSema failed to outperform Zepbound in a clinical trial. Zepbound, utilizing tirzepatide, is already the leading injectable obesity treatment, promising significant weight loss for patients.
Feb 23, 2026
Merck plans to establish an independent cancer division in anticipation of the impending expiration of the Keytruda patent.
Merck announced a split of its human-health business into two units, focusing on its cancer franchise led by the blockbuster drug Keytruda, which generated over US$30 billion in 2025. This restructuring aims to diversify beyond Keytruda amid concerns over future sales and competition from generics. Merck also appointed Jannie Oosthuizen as president of the cancer business.
Feb 23, 2026
Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie: A Competitive Growth Battle in the Face of Patent Expirations
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and AbbVie (ABBV) are prominent players in the pharmaceutical sector, focusing on immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. JNJ's growth is driven by drugs like Stelara and Darzalex, while ABBV relies on Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq. Both face patent challenges but show strong sales growth, with JNJ's stock rising 48.1% and ABBV's by 10.2% over the past year.
Feb 23, 2026
Novo Nordisk Shares Drop 15% Following 'CargiSema' Underperformance Compared to Eli Lilly's Weight Loss Medication
Novo Nordisk's stock fell 15% after its weight loss drug, CargiSema, failed to demonstrate non-inferiority to Eli Lilly's Tirzepatide in trials. CargiSema achieved a 23% weight loss compared to Tirzepatide's 25.5%. Eli Lilly's stock rose 3.5% following the news. Novo plans further trials to explore CargiSema's potential.
Feb 23, 2026
850 Companies Under Investigation for NSQ Medications, Audit Outsourcing Set to Begin, Export Regulations Relaxed
India's drug regulator, CDSCO, is initiating a major overhaul, scrutinizing 850 firms for non-standard quality (NSQ) drugs. The plan includes outsourcing audits and easing export norms to improve drug quality and align with global standards.
Feb 23, 2026
Novo Nordisk's decline erases all gains from the Wegovy period following a setback in trials | WKZO
Novo Nordisk's shares plummeted over 16% after its next-generation obesity drug, CagriSema, underperformed compared to Eli Lilly's offerings. This decline erased gains from its successful weight-loss drug, Wegovy, leading to a market value drop of around $475 billion. Eli Lilly's shares rose by 4%, highlighting increasing competition in the obesity treatment market.
Feb 23, 2026
Eli Lilly introduces Zepbound, a pen for administering a month’s supply of its obesity medication - CNBC
Eli Lilly & Co. has launched a new multi-dose injection pen for its obesity drug, Zepbound, allowing patients to take four weekly doses from a single device, the KwikPen. Available on LillyDirect for $299 per month, this innovation aims to enhance convenience and sustain Zepbound's growing demand since its market debut in late 2023.
Feb 23, 2026
Merck plans to establish an independent cancer division in anticipation of the impending expiration of the Keytruda patent - CNBC
Merck announced a strategic split into two divisions, focusing on its cancer franchise led by Keytruda, the world's best-selling prescription drug. This move aims to diversify beyond Keytruda as key patents expire. The company has expanded its pipeline and made significant acquisitions, while also appointing Jannie Oosthuizen as president of the cancer division.
Feb 23, 2026
Health Ministry updates regulations for testing bacterial endotoxins and pyrogens, according to DrugsControl Media Services.
The Union health ministry has amended the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, to include bacterial endotoxins in testing requirements while excluding chemical contraceptives like centchroman and ethinyloestradiol. This change aims to enhance safety standards in pharmaceutical testing.
Feb 23, 2026
Merck establishes a distinct oncology division in anticipation of Keytruda patent expiration - TradingView
Merck announced a split of its human-health operations into two divisions to enhance focus and streamline new medicine launches. This restructuring comes as the company prepares for the loss of exclusivity for its top-selling cancer drug, Keytruda, in 2028. New leaders have been appointed, and Merck aims to leverage its expanding pipeline, including drugs like Gardasil and Ohtuvayre, for future growth.
Feb 23, 2026
Merck Plans to Establish Independent Cancer Division Amid Upcoming Keytruda Patent Expiration
Merck announced the creation of a separate division for its cancer business, centered around its top-selling drug Keytruda, as it prepares for the drug's patent expiry in 2028. This restructuring aims to enhance pipeline success and may allow for future business spin-offs. Analysts caution that more work is needed to counteract upcoming patent pressures.
Feb 22, 2026
Roche Holding AG: Could This 'Quiet' Pharmaceutical Stock Be Your Next Strategic Investment?
Roche Holding AG is gaining attention from investors as it focuses on cancer drugs, Alzheimer’s treatments, and AI diagnostics. With a strong pipeline and a history of steady dividends, Roche faces challenges from biosimilars and US drug pricing regulations. Analysts view it as a solid, research-heavy stock, balancing growth potential with inherent biotech risks.
Feb 22, 2026
By the year 2032, approximately 100 biopharmaceuticals are anticipated to have their patents expire in Europe...
A report by the Korea Biopharmaceutical Association reveals that by 2032, around 100 biopharmaceuticals will lose patents in Europe, with 79% lacking biosimilars. It urges Korean companies like Samsung Bioepis and Celltrion to focus on new treatment areas such as ophthalmology and dermatology to enhance market dominance and competitiveness. The potential cost of the biosimilar pipeline gap is estimated at $143 billion.
Feb 22, 2026
Formycon AG: A Discreet Biotech Investment That May Disrupt the U.S. Pharmaceutical Industry - Ad-hoc-news.de
Formycon AG, a German biotech firm, is gaining attention for its biosimilars, particularly FYB201 (a Lucentis biosimilar) and FYB202 (a Stelara biosimilar), which target the U.S. market. As biosimilars can significantly reduce drug costs, Formycon's focus on these high-revenue biologics positions it as a key player in the ongoing push for affordable healthcare solutions.
Feb 22, 2026
Stock valued at Rs 4 lakh seized in Vijayawada for tampering with expiry dates - drugscontrol.org
The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) in NTR District has seized medicines worth nearly Rs. 4 lakh from a pharmaceutical establishment in Vijayawada due to expiry date tampering. This action is part of intensified enforcement operations against violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
