Pharma News
29 Sep 2024 to 05 Oct 2024
Oct 3, 2024
FDA reports that there is no longer a shortage of Eli Lilly's weight-loss medication - as per The Washington Post
Eli Lilly's two-year shortage of its weight-loss drug Zepbound and Type 2 diabetes drug Mounjaro is over, as announced by the FDA. The supply of both medications can now meet national demand, although localized supply disruptions may occur as the products reach pharmacies. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have been battling against pharmacies that make copies of their drugs, with the FDA warning that off-brand versions are not as safe as the approved medications. However, patients have reported difficulties accessing the drugs despite the end of the shortage.
Oct 3, 2024
The National Health Service in England will provide Eli Lilly's obesity medication to select patients - BNN Bloomberg
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England has announced a phased rollout of Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide). It is estimated that nearly 250,000 people could be taking the drug within three years. Patients most in need and likely to benefit from weight loss will be prioritized. The drug will cost the NHS £122 ($160) a month at its maximum dose. Mounjaro has been shown to reduce body weight by an average of 20.9% in 36 weeks. A consultation on the plan is open for three weeks.
Oct 1, 2024
Biotech company Kailera introduces new weight-loss drugs with $400 million in funding
San Diego and Waltham-based Kailera Therapeutics has secured $400m in funding to develop a pipeline of obesity drugs. The company's lead programme, KAI-9531, is an injectable dual agonist of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors and has shown promise in Phase 2 tests, with patients in the high-dose group losing 15% or more of their body weight. Kailera's portfolio also includes an oral version of KAI-9531, as well as other metabolic disorder drugs. The financing round was co-led by Atlas Venture, Bain Capital Life Sciences and RTW Investments and included Lyra Capital.
Oct 1, 2024
The US Department of Health and Human Services announces cost savings for 54 prescription medications, including Novartis' cancer treatment...
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that Medicare enrollees will have access to reduced prices on 54 drugs through Medicare Part B, from October 2024 to December 2024. This initiative aims to provide financial relief for over 822,000 beneficiaries who rely on these medications for conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis, and pneumonia. The program seeks to counter drug price hikes that exceed inflation, and some beneficiaries could see significant savings, with one example being a $3,000 potential saving for a cancer patient using Novartis' Kymriah. The Inflation Reduction Act also includes long-term initiatives that will save Medicare an estimated $6 billion and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiaries by $1.5 billion. This includes a $2,000 annual cap on prescription drug costs for Medicare Part D enrollees starting in 2025. The next round of negotiations in 2027 may also include well-known medications such as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic.
Oct 1, 2024
FDA grants approval to Fresenius Kabi for biosimilar of Stelara called Otulfi, announces Pharmaceutical Technology
Fresenius Kabi and Formycon have received FDA approval for their biosimilar, Otulfi, which references Johnson & Johnson's blockbuster inflammatory drug Stelara. Otulfi is approved for the treatment of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. This marks the fourth Stelara biosimilar approval in the US, with others including Amgen's Wezlana, Alvotech and Teva's Selarsdi, and Samsung Bioepis and Sandoz's Pyzchiva. The introduction of biosimilars is expected to significantly impact Stelara's sales, with revenue predicted to drop to $1.2 billion by 2030.
Oct 1, 2024
Annovis Bio submits patent applications for novel treatments in the management of neurodegenerative diseases
Annovis Bio has filed three new patents for combination therapies involving their lead compound, buntanetap, alongside Trulicity and Viagra. These combinations have shown promising results in preclinical studies, surpassing cognitive levels seen in healthy controls. The goal is to enhance cognitive function and combat dementia in patients with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These developments may lead to more effective treatments and bring hope to patients and their families.
Sep 30, 2024
Roche Expedited Development of Obesity Medication, Targets Potential Sales of Over $3 Billion
Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche Holdings AG has announced that it is fast-tracking the development of an obesity drug, CT-388, which is currently in Phase 2 of development. The company plans to expedite enrollment in clinical trials and expand into additional indications. Roche highlighted the financial potential of its obesity drug candidates, projecting that they could generate over $3.55 billion in annual sales. The move follows the success of competitors in the weight-loss drug market. Roche aims to launch 20 transformative medicines by 2030 and reduce drug development costs by 20%.
Sep 30, 2024
Daewoong Pharmaceuticals' latest medication patents make up 88% of overall patents - Report from The Korea Herald
South Korean drug maker Daewoong Pharmaceutical has announced that more than 88 percent of its patents registered in the country over the past five years are for new drugs. The company has been focusing on creating and securing patents for its own drugs, resulting in increased competitiveness in both domestic and global markets. Daewoong has filed numerous patent applications globally and aims to continue developing innovative drugs to expand its presence in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sep 29, 2024
FDA Approves Dupixent, a Biologic Drug by Sanofi and Regeneron, for COPD Treatment
The FDA has expanded its approval of the drug Dupixent, developed by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, to include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dupixent is now the first biologic therapy approved by the FDA for the treatment of COPD. The drug is intended to address type 2 inflammation, a specific immune response characteristic of COPD. The approval was based on Phase 3 trial results that showed significant reductions in COPD exacerbations. Dupixent is already approved to treat several respiratory and dermatological conditions.
