Pharma News
24 Mar 2024 to 30 Mar 2024
Mar 29, 2024
The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Market Expected to Exceed US$ - openPR.com
The global active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) market is projected to reach a value of US$ 307.5 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 4% from 2024. Factors driving this growth include an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising demand for generic drugs, advancements in drug development technologies, and a focus on personalized medicine. The market is witnessing outsourcing of API manufacturing to specialized contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). Additionally, the demand for biologics is creating opportunities for biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Regulatory compliance and quality control measures are crucial for API manufacturers. Some key players in the market include Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Novartis.
Mar 28, 2024
Bernie Sanders Plans to Hold Meeting with Novo CEO to Discuss Ozempic Price Next Week, Reports Bloomberg
Senator Bernie Sanders plans to meet with Novo Nordisk A/S CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, to discuss the high prices of the drug company's blockbuster drug, Ozempic. The Vermont senator is also considering holding hearings on the costs of GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and obesity.
Mar 28, 2024
Research Raises Concerns About Ozempic Price as Medicare Expenditure Climbs - Yahoo Finance
Some of the widely used diabetes and weight loss drugs could be manufactured at significantly lower costs than their current prices, according to a study by Yale University, King’s College Hospital, and Doctors Without Borders. The study found that the diabetes drug Ozempic could be manufactured for as little as 89 cents to $4.73 for a month’s supply, while it has a list price of around $936 in the US. The findings could lead to more affordable prices and global expansion of diabetes treatment.
Mar 28, 2024
Merck's treatment for rare lung condition receives approval from US FDA - SaltWire
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Merck's treatment for high blood pressure in adults due to constriction of lung arteries. The therapy, called Winrevair, is approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and is expected to be a potential blockbuster drug. PAH affects approximately 40,000 people in the United States. Merck plans to launch the drug by the end of April. Winrevair is the first treatment in its class to secure FDA approval, and it targets a specific protein called activin. Analysts estimate peak sales of about $5 billion by 2030 for the therapy.
Mar 28, 2024
Study reveals potential for 40,000% profit for manufacturers of Ozempic, a diabetes medication.
The price of the diabetes drug Semaglutide could be reduced from $353 a month to just $0.89, according to a study by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The study analysed the prices of new diabetes medicines and insulin pens used for severe cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It found that patents and intellectual property barriers prevented generic manufacturing and led to inflated prices. The study also found that insulin pen injection devices could be priced at $0.94, compared to the $1.99 current price in South Africa, $5.77 in India and $90.69 in the US.
Mar 28, 2024
Important Points to Consider Before Investing in Viking Therapeutics Stock
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) is making waves in the biotech market with its impressive stock performance, driven by excitement over its experimental drug VK2735 for obesity. The drug has shown significant weight loss results in clinical trials and has potential to become a blockbuster, with projected peak annual sales of $14.4 billion in the U.S. Viking also has another promising drug in its pipeline, VK2809, for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). With a strong cash position and the potential for acquisition by larger biopharmaceutical companies, Viking remains an attractive investment option.
Mar 28, 2024
Study shows that it is possible to produce Novo's Ozempic diabetes drug for just under $5 per month instead of the current $1000 retail price
Researchers have suggested that the diabetes drug Ozempic could be manufactured for less than $5 a month, despite Novo Nordisk charging close to $1,000 per month for the drug. The study found that the majority of the manufacturing cost for Ozempic is attributed to the disposable pens used to inject the drug, which can be made for as little as $2.83 per month's supply. The high cost of drugs like Ozempic has raised concerns about affordability for patients.
Mar 28, 2024
The Surprisingly Low Production Cost of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic - Benzinga
Researchers from Yale University, King's College Hospital, and Doctors Without Borders have conducted a study that suggests Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic (semaglutide) could be produced for less than $5 a month, despite its high monthly charge of nearly $1,000 in the US. The study raises concerns about the escalating costs of diabetes treatments and the affordability of diabetes care, including insulin. Novo Nordisk has defended its investment in research and development and efforts to enhance manufacturing capacity.
Mar 28, 2024
MSF reports that GLP-1s remain inaccessible in lower-income nations - Fierce Pharma
Demand for GLP-1 medicines from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk is high globally, but a new report by Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reveals that these drugs are largely inaccessible and unaffordable in low- and middle-income countries. MSF argues that Lilly and Novo have not done enough to drive down prices or increase access, and called on Novo to lower the U.S. list price of its drugs. MSF also highlighted the access hurdles faced by insulin pen injection devices. Only half of people who need insulin worldwide have access to it, according to MSF.
Mar 28, 2024
Insurance companies will include Novo's Wegovy in coverage for certain Medicare patients with heart conditions.
Health insurers, including CVS Health Corp.'s Aetna and Kaiser Permanente, have announced that they will now provide coverage for Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug, Wegovy, for certain Medicare beneficiaries with heart-related conditions. This decision aims to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Mar 27, 2024
Merck Receives FDA Approval for New Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Drug Winrevair - Yahoo Finance
The FDA has granted approval to Merck's sotatercept, marketed under the name Winrevair, for the treatment of adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Winrevair significantly improved exercise capacity and demonstrated improvements in secondary outcome measures. The drug may increase hemoglobin and lead to erythrocytosis. Merck's stock rose in response to the approval, with analysts noting its blockbuster potential. Winrevair is the first activin signaling inhibitor approved by the FDA for PAH treatment. Merck acquired sotatercept following its acquisition of Acceleron Pharma. Other significant players in the PAH market include United Therapeutics and Johnson & Johnson.
Mar 27, 2024
Merck's treatment for uncommon lung ailment receives approval from US FDA, reports Yahoo Finance
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Merck's treatment for high blood pressure caused by constriction of lung arteries. The therapy, known as Winrevair, is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and is expected to be a potential blockbuster drug for Merck. PAH affects around 40,000 people in the United States. Merck acquired the rights to Winrevair as part of its acquisition of Acceleron Pharma in 2021. The drug is set to be launched by the end of April.
Mar 27, 2024
Merck's blood pressure therapy gets approval from US FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Merck's treatment, Winrevair, for adults with high blood pressure caused by lung artery constriction. The drug, which is expected to be available by the end of April, is targeted towards treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and is the first of its kind to secure FDA approval. Merck acquired the rights to the drug as part of its acquisition of Acceleron Pharma, and it is expected to reach peak sales of about $5 billion by 2030.
Mar 27, 2024
Novo's Diabetes Medication, Priced at $1,000, Can Be Produced for Less Than $5 per Month
A study conducted by Yale University, King's College Hospital, and Doctors Without Borders reveals that Ozempic, a popular drug for diabetes and obesity, could be produced for as little as 89 cents to $4.73 per month, in contrast to its current US list price of $968.52. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, faces scrutiny over the high cost of the drug.
Mar 27, 2024
FDA in the US grants approval for Merck's treatment for high blood pressure - Yahoo Finance
Mar 27, 2024
Ozempic, Novo's Expensive $1,000 Diabetes Treatment, Can Actually Be Produced for Less Than $5 per Month - Report
Study reveals that Ozempic, a popular diabetes and obesity drug made by Novo Nordisk, could be manufactured for as low as 89 cents to $4.73 per month, significantly lower than its current monthly US list price of $968.52. This study raises concerns about the high prices of top-selling treatments for diabetes and obesity.
Mar 27, 2024
FDA grants approval for Merck's Winrevair in significant development for treating PAH
The FDA has approved Merck's Winrevair for injection, making it the first activin signaling inhibitor therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a form of high blood pressure that affects the right side of the heart and can lead to narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the lungs. The approval is the result of Merck's acquisition of Acceleron Pharma in 2021. Winrevair will compete with Johnson & Johnson's Uptravi and other drugs in the PAH space. The approval reflects Merck's efforts to strengthen its cardiovascular pipeline ahead of anticipated losses from Keytruda.
Mar 27, 2024
Approval Given by US for Merck's Drug to Treat Uncommon Type of Hypertension - Bloomberg Law Report
Pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. has obtained US approval for sotatercept, a new treatment for a rare and dangerous form of high blood pressure. The drug will be sold as Winrevair and is expected to become a major success for the company. Priced at $14,000 per vial, with a recommended dosage every three weeks, it will cost approximately $242,000 per year. This approval is seen as crucial for Merck & Co. as sales from its older drugs are projected to decline in the coming years.
Mar 27, 2024
Merck's therapy for rare lung condition approved by US FDA, according to PharmaLive
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Merck's treatment for high blood pressure caused by lung artery constriction. The therapy, called Winrevair, is for adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), affecting approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. per year. The drug is expected to be available on the market by the end of April, with an annual cost of around $238,000 per patient. Merck's shares rose over 4% in extended trading.
Mar 27, 2024
US FDA gives green light to Merck's treatment for uncommon lung disorder
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Merck's treatment, Winrevair, for adults with high blood pressure due to constriction of lung arteries. The therapy is approved for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and is expected to be available on the market by the end of April. Winrevair is the first treatment in its class to secure FDA approval and is projected to reach peak sales of about $5 billion by 2030. In clinical trials, patients treated with the drug showed a significant improvement in exercise capacity.
Mar 27, 2024
Astra plans to divide drug manufacturing between China and the US, following geographic divisions (1) - Bloomberg Law Report
AstraZeneca is developing a manufacturing network to independently supply drugs to major markets, aiming to reduce reliance on China. CEO Pascal Soriot stated that the UK drugmaker will produce the same medication at different facilities to cater to separate markets, with plans to supply the US and Europe independently. AstraZeneca is also establishing a presence in China to expand its operations.
Mar 27, 2024
Merck's blood pressure treatment receives approval from the US FDA, reports ET HealthWorld
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Merck's treatment, Winrevair, for adults with high blood pressure caused by constriction of lung arteries. The therapy, used for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is expected to be a potential blockbuster drug. Merck acquired the rights to Winrevair as part of its acquisition of Acceleron Pharma. The drug is the first in its class to secure FDA approval and is expected to be available in the market by the end of April.
Mar 27, 2024
FDA in the United States has granted approval for Merck's treatment for high blood pressure, as reported by SaltWire.
The U.S. FDA has approved Merck's treatment, Winrevair, for adults with high blood pressure caused by constriction of lung arteries. The drug is aimed at treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition affecting around 40,000 people in the U.S. annually. With an estimated price of $14,000 per vial, Merck expects the drug to be launched by the end of April and reach peak sales of approximately $5 billion by 2030. It is the first treatment in its class to secure FDA approval.
Mar 26, 2024
Merck obtains important FDA approval for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension with drug Winrevair
Merck has received FDA approval for Winrevair (sotatercept), a disease-modifying treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a rare and rapidly progressing disease that affects the blood vessels in the lungs, leading to heart failure. Winrevair acts as a first-in-class activin signaling inhibitor, targeting the underlying cause of the disease. Merck plans to charge $14,000 for a vial of Winrevair, with analysts estimating its peak sales potential to be at least $2 billion.
Mar 26, 2024
Merck's blood pressure therapy gets approval from US FDA
The U.S. FDA has approved Merck's new treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension, called Winrevair. This drug will be used to treat high blood pressure caused by constriction of lung arteries and is expected to be a potential blockbuster drug for Merck. The therapy is estimated to cost $14,000 per vial and is projected to be available on the market by the end of April.
Mar 26, 2024
In a recent study, Viking Therapeutics' new tablet shows promise in reducing weight - as reported by Yahoo Finance.
Viking Therapeutics' experimental weight loss tablet, known as VK2735, has shown promising results in an early-stage trial, reducing weight by up to 3.3% in volunteers. This news has led to a 15% increase in Viking Therapeutics' shares. The drug is administered orally, which is a more convenient option for patients compared to under-the-skin injections. Viking Therapeutics plans to continue the trial and test higher doses of the drug in healthy or overweight volunteers and initiate a mid-stage study in obese patients later this year.
Mar 26, 2024
Amgen responds to possible price restrictions on Enbrel in Colorado by engaging with the state's recent medication affordability policies...
Amgen is challenging a move by Colorado to cap the price of its arthritis drug, Enbrel, at the state level. The pharmaceutical company has filed a lawsuit claiming that the decision violates due process and federal law. Colorado's Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board deemed Enbrel's price to be unfavorable and plans to subject it to an upper payment limit. Amgen argues that the board's determination is unconstitutional and steps on patent laws. Enbrel's list price is set at $1,762.34 per 50 mg dose, and the drug generated $3.65 billion in sales in 2023.
Mar 26, 2024
Amgen Files Lawsuit Against Colorado's Cap on Enbrel Arthritis Drug Prices
Amgen, the pharmaceutical company that produces the arthritis drug Enbrel, has filed a lawsuit against Colorado over the state's plans to cap the drug's price. In other news, New Hampshire's ambulance market is facing financial difficulties, Florida is considering requiring naloxone in public college housing to combat opioid overdoses, and thousands of children in Florida have lost Medicaid coverage.
Mar 25, 2024
FTC considers Teva's inhaler lawsuit against Amneal in the midst of broad patent enforcement efforts
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed an amicus brief in court, accusing Teva of "improperly listing" patents for its asthma inhaler ProAir HFA in the FDA's Orange Book, blocking Amneal Pharmaceuticals' approval bid for a generic version of the inhaler. The FTC argues that these patents are "bunk" and harm competition by delaying the entry of more affordable generic drugs. The FTC is pushing for a judgment to compel the delisting of the patents in question. Teva did not respond to requests for comment.
Mar 25, 2024
Wegovy receives approval for use in cardiovascular patients, expanding its range of indications. - BioSpace
The FDA has approved Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide) for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in people with higher BMIs, marking a new indication for the drug. Wegovy is a competitor to Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, also currently in trials for cardiovascular indications. This decision could represent a milestone in using GLP-1 agonists for conditions beyond diabetes and weight loss.
Mar 25, 2024
Amgen Ventures into the Weight-Loss Industry - Baystreet.ca
Amgen is testing an injectable weight loss treatment called MariTide, which aims to help patients lose weight and keep it off. The drug is being designed to be taken once a month or less frequently, providing more convenience compared to weekly medicines on the market. The weight loss drug market is projected to be worth $100 billion by the end of the decade, with analysts estimating that between 10 million and 70 million Americans will be taking weight loss drugs by 2028.
Mar 25, 2024
J&J sees success as Opsynvi for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension gets approval following Actelion acquisition
Johnson & Johnson has received FDA approval for Opsynvi, a combination of the drugs Opsumit and tadalafil, for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Opsynvi is approved for both newly diagnosed patients and those who have already been treated with Opsumit and tadalafil as separate tablets. Opsumit, owned by J&J through its acquisition of Actelion, is a blockbuster drug that generated $1.9 billion in 2023. tadalafil" style="color: #F36C42; font-weight:600";>Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, was originally developed by Eli Lilly and is now available as a generic.
Mar 25, 2024
Bayer's Pipeline Progress Seen as Key Amidst Challenges - Yahoo Finance
German pharmaceutical company Bayer AG has outlined its plan to transform its pharma business during its annual Pharma Media Day. The company will primarily focus on cardiovascular diseases, oncology, immunology, and neurology & rare diseases. Bayer aims to strengthen its pipeline through acquisitions and collaborations and has acquired the marketing rights for the cardiovascular candidate acoramidis in Europe. The company is also implementing a new operating model to reduce hierarchies and streamline structures. However, Bayer has faced setbacks with drugs like asundexian and Xarelto, and the ongoing glyphosate litigation has impacted its cash position.
Mar 25, 2024
AbbVie plans to enhance its portfolio of drugs for autoimmune diseases through partnership with Landos - AOL.com
AbbVie, the maker of Humira, has announced plans to acquire drug developer Landos Biopharma for up to $212 million. The acquisition is part of AbbVie's strategy to expand its pipeline of medicines for immune system-related illnesses. Landos is currently conducting a mid-stage study of its lead drug NX-13, which aims to treat ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of this year.
Mar 25, 2024
AbbVie plans to strengthen its portfolio of drugs for immune disorders through partnership with Landos.
AbbVie is set to acquire Landos Biopharma for up to $212 million in a bid to expand its portfolio of medicines for immune system-related illnesses. Landos is currently conducting a mid-stage study of its lead experimental drug NX-13 for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. AbbVie's acquisition of Landos will bolster its pipeline in this therapeutic area. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter.
Mar 25, 2024
Amgen files lawsuit against Colorado for regulations on prescription drug pricing board
Amgen has filed a lawsuit against the state of Colorado over efforts by Colorado's Prescription Drug Affordability Board to possibly cap the price of the arthritis drug Enbrel. Amgen argues that the board's actions are unconstitutional and violate rights to due process. The company is seeking to overturn the board's decisions and strike down major parts of the law creating the board. Colorado lawmakers created the board in 2021 with the goal of lowering prescription costs, and it has the authority to set price caps on drugs it deems unaffordable.
