Pharma News
25 Aug 2024 to 31 Aug 2024
Aug 30, 2024
Merck cancels two advanced trials for cancer medication Keytruda
Merck has halted two late-stage studies of its immunotherapy drug Keytruda in patients with skin and lung cancers. One trial, testing the drug in patients with an advanced type of skin cancer, was stopped due to potential failure, while another trial combining Keytruda with radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer did not help extend patients' complication-free period. Merck is looking to expand the use of Keytruda in different cancer types and stages of the disease. Keytruda is a PD-1 inhibitor that boosts the body's immune system to detect and fight tumor cells.
Aug 30, 2024
Merck cancels two advanced trials of Keytruda cancer drug | Updates on Business and News
Merck discontinues two late-stage studies of its immunotherapy drug Keytruda in patients with skin and lung cancers, adding to the list of trial failures for the blockbuster drug.
Aug 30, 2024
Detailed data reveals significant benefit of Alnylam's heart medication vutrisiran, as reported by STAT News
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals' experimental drug, vutrisiran, has shown promising results in a Phase 3 study. The drug has been found to substantially reduce the risk of death and serious cardiovascular complications in patients with a newly diagnosed heart disease called ATTR-CM. The study showed that vutrisiran decreased the odds of death or cardiovascular crises by 33% and 28%, respectively, compared to placebo. The positive results position vutrisiran as a potential new treatment option for patients, although it will face competition from another treatment nearing approval.
Aug 30, 2024
Wegovy faces scrutiny due to Lilly's Zepbound price reduction and an upcoming Senate hearing for Novo.
Eli Lilly plans to begin selling single-dose vials of its weight loss drug, Zepbound (tirzepatide), directly to consumers at a discounted price through its self-pay pharmacy component. The move comes as Zepbound closes the gap with Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in the weight-loss market. Analysts believe other GLP-1 manufacturers could follow suit. Novo may respond by cutting Wegovy's pricing. Lilly's strategy also targets compounders who have been producing alternative tirzepatide treatments due to shortages. The decision to lower Zepbound's price has garnered attention from Congress, with Sen. Bernie Sanders praising the move but emphasizing that drug prices remain unaffordable for many Americans.
Aug 30, 2024
Eli Lilly to offer reduced-price, individual vials of popular GLP-1 medication Zepbound - Healthcare Brew
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is reducing the price of its weight loss drug, Zepbound, and offering new, single-dose vials. Self-pay patients can purchase the drug at a 50% discount through the company's direct-to-consumer website. The move aims to broaden access to the medication and meet high demand. The single-dose vials can be bought for $399 and $549 for the 2.5-mg and 5-mg doses respectively. Previously, Zepbound was only available as an autoinjector. The new vials require the use of a syringe and needle.
Aug 30, 2024
Novartis and other companies accused of exploiting patenting through "evergreening" to exploit the Swiss market
The practice of "evergreening", where pharmaceutical companies accumulate multiple patents to extend market monopolies, is resulting in high prices for drugs and hindering access to affordable generics. Novartis has filed numerous lawsuits against other companies for patent infringement, including 25 lawsuits against 18 pharmaceutical companies for their heart drug, Entresto. Patients and healthcare budgets are being burdened by the cost of these practices, with medicines accounting for a significant portion of health insurance expenditure. The Swiss government is also working to strengthen intellectual property rights, potentially limiting access to affordable drugs.
Aug 30, 2024
Study Shows Semaglutide's Effectiveness in Treating Both Diabetes and Heart Health - Common Conditions Linked to ...
The pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk's drug Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy, has been hailed as a wonder drug for its impressive effects on diabetes and weight loss. It has now received FDA approval for reducing risks of cardiovascular death, stroke, and heart attack in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight. A study also found that Semaglutide can help reduce the death rate from heart failure, even in patients already diagnosed with the condition. Novo Nordisk's success with Semaglutide is expected to continue, and they are also working on developing new treatments for metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity.
Aug 29, 2024
Late-Stage Study Shows Novartis' Cholesterol Drug Achieves Primary Objectives - Yahoo Finance
Novartis has announced positive data from the late-stage V-MONO study on its cholesterol drug Leqvio (inclisiran). The study demonstrated the drug's superiority in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared to both placebo and ezetimibe. Leqvio is the first small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy approved to lower LDL-C and is administered as a subcutaneous injection. Novartis plans to share the results with regulatory agencies, including the FDA. The successful development of Leqvio for expanded patient populations is expected to strengthen Novartis' cardiovascular franchise.
Aug 29, 2024
Merck halts two advanced-stage cancer treatment studies - TradingView
Pharmaceutical company Merck has halted two late-stage trials of its immunotherapy drug Keytruda, which is used to treat skin and lung cancers. The trials, which were exploring the drug's potential in combination with other treatments, were stopped due to futility and lack of efficacy. Despite these setbacks, Merck remains committed to finding innovative treatment approaches for various types of cancer. Notably, Keytruda belongs to a class of drugs called PD-1 inhibitors that enhance the body's immune system to detect and combat tumor cells.
Aug 29, 2024
Merck cancels two advanced trials for cancer medication Keytruda in latest development - ET HealthWorld
Pharmaceutical company Merck has halted two late-stage studies of its immunotherapy drug Keytruda in patients with skin and lung cancers. The trials were halted due to futility and not showing clinical benefit respectively. Merck has been seeking to test Keytruda in combination with other treatments to expand its use in other types of cancer as the drug faces loss of patent protection in the future. This follows a string of trial failures for the drug. Keytruda is a PD-1 inhibitor that helps the body's immune system detect and fight tumor cells.
Aug 28, 2024
Positive Analyst Predicts Blockbuster Sales for NewAmsterdam Pharma's Cholesterol Medication
Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company NewAmsterdam Pharma is making progress in the development of obicetrapib, its cholesterol-lowering drug. The company recently released positive data from a Phase 3 trial, demonstrating the drug's efficacy in reducing LDL cholesterol. Analysts predict that if successful, obicetrapib could generate over $2 billion in sales by targeting approximately 30 million patients. NewAmsterdam Pharma has also obtained a new US patent for the drug, protecting it until July 2043. The company currently holds a cash position of $430.7 million.
Aug 28, 2024
Cholesterol Drug from NewAmsterdam Pharma Expected to Generate Huge Sales, Optimistic Analyst Predicts ... - AOL.com
Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company NewAmsterdam Pharma (NASDAQ:NAMS) has received positive coverage from Needham, with the initiation of coverage on the company and its cholesterol-lowering drug obicetrapib. The drug has shown significant reductions in LDL-C levels in a Phase 3 trial, and if successful, is expected to generate over $2 billion in sales by targeting around 30 million patients. NewAmsterdam Pharma recently announced a new US patent for obicetrapib, protecting the drug until July 2043.
Aug 28, 2024
Him & Hers falls in response to Lilly reducing prices on the smallest weight loss drug doses - Tipranks
Eli Lilly has announced that it is lowering the prices of the two lowest doses of its weight loss drug, Zepbound, in an effort to ease supply constraints. The new versions of Zepbound will come in single-dose vials and will be available for purchase through the company's telehealth platform. The move is expected to expand access to the drug and provide a more affordable option for patients. Shares of Him & Hers, a competitor in the GLP-1 market, dropped in response to the news.
Aug 28, 2024
Eli Lilly's discounted pricing for its weight-loss medication Zepbound comes with certain conditions, according to STAT News.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has launched discounted versions of its obesity drug, Zepbound, following pressure from the Biden administration to lower drug prices. The treatment will now be available in starter doses in vials costing up to $549 per month, expanding access. However, doctors have noted that the price may still be out of reach for many patients, and only the starter doses will be available in the vials. Additionally, only patients paying for their own medication without insurance and ordering through Lilly's online portal will be able to access them.
Aug 28, 2024
Accusations of Delaying Release of Generic Sleep Disorder Drug Hurled at Jazz and Hikma to Keep Prices High
Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Hikma Pharmaceuticals will face allegations that they conspired to delay the release of a generic version of Jazz's narcolepsy drug, Xyrem, resulting in higher prices for health plans. A judge has allowed the case to proceed to trial, though some claims have been dismissed. The plaintiffs argue that Jazz violated antitrust laws, and they claim that Jazz significantly increased the price of Xyrem by over 800% between 2007 and 2014. Jazz denies the allegations and argues that its distribution strategy was approved by a regulatory agency.
Aug 28, 2024
Analyst Optimistic About NewAmsterdam Pharma's Cholesterol Drug Sales
Needham has initiated coverage on NewAmsterdam Pharma Company N.V NAMS and its drug obicetrapib. The clinical-stage biopharma's Phase 3 trial for obicetrapib showed significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels. Obicetrapib stands out from previous CETP inhibitors due to its lack of associated issues. If successful, the drug is expected to generate over $2 billion in sales, targeting around 30 million patients. NewAmsterdam recently announced a new US patent for obicetrapib, protecting it until July 2043.
Aug 28, 2024
FDA has granted approval for a chemotherapy-free lung cancer treatment - Juta MedicalBrief
The US FDA has approved Johnson & Johnson's drug Rybrevant, in combination with lazertinib, as a first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with a mutated form of the gene EGFR. Rybrevant disrupts the growth of EGFR and MET genes, while lazertinib inhibits their rapid reproduction. This decision poses a challenge for AstraZeneca's blockbuster drug Tagrisso, as Rybrevant has shown better results in increasing the time patients lived without disease progression compared to Tagrisso.
Aug 28, 2024
Novartis strengthens argument for expanded use of heart medication Leqvio with successful phase 3 trial
Novartis has announced positive phase 3 results for its cholesterol-lowering drug Leqvio (inclisiran). The study showed that Leqvio effectively reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients at low or moderate risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) who were not on a lipid-lowering therapy. The drug, administered twice a year, demonstrated statistically significant reductions in comparison to both placebo and Merck's Zetia. Novartis plans to present the results at a medical meeting and share them with regulatory agencies. Leqvio is currently approved as an adjunct therapy for patients with ASCVD or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
Aug 28, 2024
Bloomberg Reports on Lilly's Decision to Cut Price of Zepbound Weight-Loss Drug Vials by 50%
Pharma giants Eli Lilly & Co. and Novo Nordisk A/S face questions as Eli Lilly offers a 50% discount on its GLP-1 weight-loss drug, raising concerns about demand and pricing.
Aug 28, 2024
Eli Lilly reduces the initial price of popular weight-loss drug Zepbound
Eli Lilly has taken a step forward by reducing the list price of its weight-loss drug, Zepbound. However, the company has raised the prices for Zepbound under its patient assistance program. The high cost of the diabetes drug, Mounjaro, remains unchanged. The Biden administration is pushing for substantial price reductions in both drugs and plans to address the issue further in upcoming hearings. The article highlights the need for the US to lower prescription drug prices, which are significantly higher compared to other countries.
Aug 27, 2024
Research Shows Connection Between Popular Weight-Loss Drug Ozempic and Suicidal Ideation - Medical Professionals Report
Ozempic, a drug originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, has gained attention for its significant weight loss benefits. Clinical studies have shown that the drug, which mimics a hormone called GLP-1, can lead to substantial weight loss. However, reports have surfaced linking Ozempic to suicidal thoughts in some patients. The drug's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, is conducting further studies to investigate this potential side effect. While the medical community remains cautiously optimistic, doctors stress the importance of thorough patient screening and close monitoring for any psychological changes.
Aug 27, 2024
Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Hikma Pharmaceuticals to address allegations of 'reverse payment' concerning narcolepsy medication - Westlaw Today
Aug 27, 2024
Eli Lilly reduces price of weight loss medication Zepbound, reports NBC News
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is reducing the prices of the two lowest doses of its weight-loss drug, Zepbound, to expand access and alleviate supply constraints. However, patients requiring the discounted medicine must use Lilly’s telehealth platform, LillyDirect, and make cash payments, as the drugs will not be covered by insurance or the company’s discount savings program. Critics argue that the lower-cost versions may still be too expensive for many people, and that the move could lead to negative perceptions of patients limited to cheaper options.
Aug 27, 2024
Eli Lilly introduces a more affordable, lower-dose version of Zepbound, but there are specific terms attached to it.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is reducing the prices of the lowest doses of its weight loss drug Zepbound, in an effort to improve access and address supply constraints. However, patients will need to fill their own vials and order supplies directly from the company, and they will have to pay in cash. In related news, a study indicates that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may impact metabolism directly, rather than simply reducing appetite.
Aug 27, 2024
Cigna removes Humira by AbbVie from its formularies, increasing the strain on the blockbuster drug.
Express Scripts, a subsidiary of Cigna, will remove AbbVie's Humira from its major commercial formularies next year, making way for more affordable biosimilar alternatives. The decision aims to provide patients with access to low-cost biosimilars, including Boehringer Ingelheim's Cyltezo, Teva's Simlandi, and Sandoz's unbranded adalimumab-adaz injection. By embracing biosimilars, Express Scripts hopes to offer savings and ensure access to high-quality drugs at lower costs. Similar moves by other companies have shown that access is a stronger factor than pricing in the biosimilars market share. AbbVie's Humira has been experiencing market erosion.
Aug 27, 2024
Lilly offers Zepbound vials at half price to address high demand for weight loss medication - MedWatch
Aug 27, 2024
Zepbound weight-loss medication now available in single-dose vials at a reduced cost.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has announced that it will offer its GLP-1 weight-loss drug Zepbound in single-dose vials at a significantly reduced price. The vials, which differ from standard injector pens used for the drug, will be priced at half the cost of other GLP-1 obesity medications. However, consumers can only purchase the vials directly from the company via LillyDirect. The move aims to improve access to Zepbound and prevent the use of unsafe counterfeit versions obtained from compounding pharmacies.
Aug 27, 2024
Lilly offers Zepbound vials at half price to address high demand for weight loss medication - The Voice
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Co. is selling vials of its weight-loss drug Zepbound at a 50% discount to meet demand. The vials, priced at $399 for a month's supply, are available for purchase through Lilly's direct-to-consumer site. The move aims to address supply shortages and offer an affordable option to uninsured patients. The drug is typically sold in auto-injector pens, but using vials allows more patients to access the drug and saves production time for Lilly. The vials may also create more volume and offset the company's sales.
Aug 27, 2024
Legal action required for Jazz and Hikma to address allegations of 'reverse payment' related to narcolepsy medication - XM
Jazz Pharma and Hikma will face allegations that they conspired to delay a generic version of Jazz's narcolepsy drug Xyrem, leading to higher prices for health plans, according to a ruling by a U.S. judge. The ruling paves the way for a trial on some claims in the ongoing legal battle. The plaintiffs, including Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the city of Providence, Rhode Island, accuse Jazz of violating U.S. antitrust law. Xyrem's price allegedly rose by over 800% between 2007 and 2014. Hikma settled a lawsuit challenging Jazz's patents in 2017.
Aug 26, 2024
Cigna plans to exclude Humira from AbbVie's list of drugs covered for reimbursement starting next year, as reported by Mint.
Cigna has announced plans to remove AbbVie's rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira from some of its lists of preferred drugs for reimbursement in 2025. Instead, Cigna will recommend cheaper biosimilar versions of the medicine. This move follows a similar decision by CVS Health's Caremark unit in April, which led to an increase in patients switching to biosimilars. AbbVie has not yet responded to the announcement. Pharmacy benefit managers have come under scrutiny this year for their role in keeping drug prices high.
Aug 26, 2024
Cigna plans to exclude AbbVie's Humira from certain drug reimbursement lists in the upcoming year, reports KFGO.
Healthcare company Cigna has announced it will remove AbbVie's arthritis drug Humira from some of its preferred drug lists in 2025. Instead, Cigna will recommend cheaper biosimilar versions of the medicine. This move follows a similar decision by CVS Health's Caremark unit earlier this year. Both companies act as middlemen between drug companies and consumers and have faced criticism for their role in keeping drug prices high. Humira was once the world's top-selling prescription medicine, with peak sales of $21.2bn in 2022.
