Pharma News
24 Nov 2024 to 30 Nov 2024
Nov 29, 2024
Pharma Executive States Bayer Patent Cliff Poses a Minor Challenge - BNN Bloomberg
Bayer's pharma head, Stefan Oelrich, believes that the company will be able to offset the revenue decline from patent expiries for blockbuster drugs Xarelto and Eylea. Strong demand for prostate cancer drug Nubeqa and kidney therapy Kerendia, as well as the development of a higher dose version of Eylea, are expected to help cushion the impact of generic competition. Oelrich also stated that Bayer plans to grow its pharma sales again from 2027 once the effects of the patent cliff have subsided.
Nov 29, 2024
Starting December 2, Korea plans to limit the prescription of Wegovy through telemedicine - KBR
The Ministry of Health and Welfare in South Korea will restrict the telemedicine prescription of obesity medications, including Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, starting from December 2. This decision was made to prevent indiscriminate prescription and illegal distribution of obesity drugs via telemedicine. The government will also review a telemedicine model specifically for obese patients in the first half of next year.
Nov 28, 2024
European Commission Penalizes Teva with Fine of €462.6 Million for Misusing EPO's Patent System
The European Commission has fined Teva €462.6 million for abusing its dominant position in the market for the multiple sclerosis drug, Copaxone. Teva's conduct consisted of prolonging legal uncertainty over the enforceability of its patents for Copaxone and disparaging a rival's generic version. This rare action by the EU antitrust authorities highlights the importance of the patent system in the pharmaceutical industry. The Commission's decision was based on evidence of Teva's abusive behavior and its impact on pricing and public healthcare budgets.
Nov 28, 2024
Enhertu cancer medication from AstraZeneca included in China's healthcare coverage program, reports The Times
China to include AstraZeneca's breast cancer drug Enhertu in its state-run health insurance scheme from next year, despite ongoing investigation into illegal sales practices. Shares in AstraZeneca have dropped over 20% due to concerns over Chinese authorities' inquiries.
Nov 28, 2024
Celltrion is fully committed to achieving its "Vision 2030" objective of expanding globally in the pharmaceutical industry.
Celltrion, a pharmaceutical company, has unveiled its 'Vision 2030' plan to make a global big pharma leap. The company aims to expand its biosimilar product line to 11 by next year and increase it to 22 by 2030. Additionally, Celltrion is focusing on the development of new drugs and entering the CDMO business. The company is also strengthening its production base and plans to complete the establishment of a CDMO subsidiary this year. Celltrion's performance is already exceeding expectations, with sales in the third quarter surpassing the previous year's annual sales.
Nov 28, 2024
China's state insurance list now includes AstraZeneca's Enhertu breast cancer medication - XM
AstraZeneca's breast cancer drug Enhertu will be included in China's state-run health insurance scheme starting from January 1, 2023. The drug, co-developed with Daiichi Sankyo, will become more accessible to the public with its inclusion in the national reimbursement list. However, the price of drugs on the list will be reduced by an average of 63%. AstraZeneca has experienced challenges in China recently, including the detention of its China president, but the country remains an important market for the company.
Nov 27, 2024
Amgen's medication for weight loss demonstrates promising outcomes with a 20% decrease in body weight, however...
Amgen's weight loss drug, MariTide, saw a drop in stock price due to high side effects and failed to outperform Eli Lilly's drug Zepbound. MariTide achieved a weight loss of up to 20% in non-diabetic patients in a one-year trial, but 11% of patients dropped out due to side effects. Despite the setbacks, Amgen claims MariTide has advantages such as lower treatment frequency and a new mechanism of action compared to other drugs on the market. Analysts predict the weight loss drug market could reach $150 billion by the early 2030s.
Nov 27, 2024
Health Canada has granted approval to Novo Nordisk's obesity medication for lowering the chances of a non-fatal heart attack.
Health Canada has approved Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug Wegovy for reducing the risk of non-fatal heart attacks in adults with cardiovascular disease and a body mass index equal to or greater than 27 kilograms per meter squared. Wegovy is the first Health Canada-approved treatment for chronic weight management and reducing the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction. Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada, and coverage by public and private insurers will be crucial for widespread access to the drug.
Nov 27, 2024
Top Pharma Stock Changes in 2021 - BioSpace
Pharmaceutical companies have experienced mixed results in the stock market this year, with some seeing significant gains and others facing declines. Eli Lilly has seen its share price increase by over 39% due to the approval of its weight loss drug, Zepbound. Pfizer has fallen over 10% amid pressures from an activist investor, while Merck has fallen more than 7% as it nears a patent cliff for its cancer drug Keytruda. Amgen's stock took a hit after its weight loss drug MariTide showed lower-than-expected results in a phase 2 study. Vertex's share price has increased by 13.35% as the company continues to dominate the cystic fibrosis market. Novo Nordisk's market cap has risen following the approval of its obesity therapy Wegovy.
Nov 26, 2024
HK InnoN unveils South Korea's 30th new drug "K-Cap," a novel treatment for...
Korean pharmaceutical company HK InnoN is speeding up the development of next-generation drugs following the success of its drug K-Cap, a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The company is focusing on areas such as obesity, immunity, constipation, and non-small cell lung cancer. HK InnoN is also leading in ESG management activities and has been recognized for its environmental, social, and governance performance.
Nov 26, 2024
Amgen reports that its new drug MariTide led to a 20% reduction in patient weight - Quartz
Amgen's experimental weight loss drug, MariTide, showed promise in a mid-stage trial, with patients losing an average of 20% of their weight over a 52-week period. The drug is a GLP-1 medication, similar to Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, and aims to compete with Novo Nordisk's blockbuster weight loss drug, Wegovy. Despite the positive results, Amgen's stock fell by over 10%. The pharmaceutical market for GLP-1 treatment is expected to reach $105 billion by 2030, with other companies also looking to enter the weight-loss drug market. Amgen plans to conduct a larger phase 3 trial for MariTide.
Nov 26, 2024
Biden suggests allowing Medicare and Medicaid coverage for widely-used weight loss medications - Benzinga
The Biden-Harris Administration is proposing to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medications, aiming to address the high costs that have drawn criticism. Novo Nordisk's drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, have faced backlash for their steep prices. The proposed rule seeks to make these treatments more accessible, benefiting millions of Medicare and Medicaid recipients. The Department of Health and Human Services highlighted the disparity between U.S. and international drug prices. This expansion aligns with efforts to lower drug costs and ensure affordability and accessibility of life-saving treatments. Novo Nordisk's drug, Ozempic, may be included in Medicare drug price negotiations.
Nov 26, 2024
Amgen reports significant weight loss of up to 20% over a year with their obesity drug, showing continued effectiveness - NBC New York
Amgen's experimental weight loss injection, MariTide, helped patients lose up to 20% of their weight on average after a year in a critical mid-stage trial. The drug also showed promise in helping patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes lose weight. However, shares of Amgen fell as the results were at the lower end of Wall Street's expectations. MariTide could potentially enter the market around 2027 and compete with weight loss injections from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
Nov 25, 2024
G-CSF and G-CSF Biosimilars Market Expected to Grow by 2032 Due to Rising Cancer Cases - openPR.com
The global market for Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) and G-CSF biosimilars is projected to reach $12.6 billion USD by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.82%. The growth is driven by factors such as increasing demand for cost-effective cancer treatments, patent expirations of branded drugs, government support, and technological advancements in biosimilar development. Key companies in the market include Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Accord Healthcare, and Amgen. However, regulatory hurdles and market competition pose challenges to market growth.
Nov 25, 2024
The Generic Pharmaceuticals Market Expected to Grow at 8.1% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) by 2032
The global generic pharmaceuticals market is projected to reach $740.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2032. Factors driving this growth include the increasing demand for affordable medications and the expiration of patents for blockbuster drugs, allowing for the approval and availability of generic alternatives. Major players in the industry, such as Pfizer, Sanofi, and Sun Pharma, are making strategic acquisitions to strengthen their portfolios. However, the sector faces challenges such as intense price competition and stringent regulatory requirements. Technological advancements and the rise of biosimilars are reshaping the industry.
Nov 25, 2024
Remsima by Celltrion poised to be South Korea's first highly successful medication, reports KED Global
Celltrion Inc.'s biosimilar monoclonal antibody, Remsima, is set to achieve over $713 million in sales this year, making it the first Korean drug to do so. Remsima, which is a cheaper alternative to Janssen's Remicade, was approved by the FDA in 2016 and has been credited with driving growth in the biosimilar market. Celltrion plans to expand its biosimilar offerings to 11 by 2025 and 22 by 2030.
Nov 25, 2024
BridgeBio receives FDA approval, introducing new competition for Pfizer's popular cardiovascular medication.
BridgeBio Pharma has won FDA approval for its drug, Attruby, to treat adults with cardiomyopathy caused by ATTR. The drug works by stabilizing a protein that leads to a buildup of amyloid protein in the heart, ultimately causing the condition. Attruby will now compete against Pfizer's blockbuster medication, tafamidis, which is already established as the standard of care. BridgeBio estimates that the market for ATTR cardiomyopathy is worth $15 billion to $20 billion. Other companies, including Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, are also developing treatments for the condition.
Nov 24, 2024
Despite having the opportunity to use popular medications for obesity, certain individuals fail to achieve weight loss
Some patients using the weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy may not see significant results. While clinical trials have shown that most participants lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight, up to 20% of patients may not respond well to the medications. Factors such as genetics, hormones, and medical conditions can all influence weight loss and a person's response to the drugs. Different patients will have different outcomes, and doctors emphasize the importance of individualized treatment and managing patient expectations.
Nov 24, 2024
There is a possibility that blockbuster obesity drugs may be ineffective for up to 20 percent of users
Approximately 20% of patients prescribed popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may not respond well to the medications, according to obesity experts. The drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have been shown to help most participants in clinical trials lose 15-22% of their body weight. However, factors such as genetics, hormones, and underlying medical conditions can impact a person's response to the drugs. Doctors recommend a comprehensive approach to obesity treatment, including behavior and lifestyle changes, and exploring other drug options if necessary. It is important for patients to manage their expectations and understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to weight loss.
