Pharma News
31 Mar 2024 to 06 Apr 2024
Apr 5, 2024
Positive results seen in treatment of aggressive lung cancer with AstraZeneca's Imfinzi - WHBL
AstraZeneca's cancer drug, Imfinzi, has shown significant improvement in a late-stage trial for the treatment of limited-stage small cell lung cancer. The drug demonstrated improvement in overall survival and progression-free survival in patients who had not progressed following concurrent chemoradiotherapy.
Apr 5, 2024
Major medical advancements in the treatment of lung cancer using AstraZeneca's innovative immunotherapy method, announced on April 5, 2024 at 12:16.
In a late-stage trial, AstraZeneca's lung cancer drug Imfinzi showed significant improvement in overall survival and disease-free progression in patients with aggressive small cell lung cancer. This makes Imfinzi the first and only immunotherapy to demonstrate a survival benefit in this setting. Imfinzi is already approved for other indications and is AstraZeneca's second best-selling cancer drug. The positive results could potentially lead to a curative-intent immunotherapy treatment for small cell lung cancer.
Apr 5, 2024
Top stocks in focus: AMD, Shell, AstraZeneca, HubSpot - AOL UK
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has announced positive results for its cancer drug Imfinzi, which demonstrated improved patient survival in a clinical trial. However, the company's stock fell by around 1.1% due to news that US federal payment rates to Medicare insurers next year will be lower than expected. Meanwhile, chipmaker AMD saw its stock drop 8.3% as part of a wider sell-off triggered by doubts surrounding expected interest rate cuts. Additionally, Google parent Alphabet is considering making an offer for content marketing platform HubSpot.
Apr 5, 2024
Amylyx removes ALS medication from US market following study indicating no positive effects - KFF Health News
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals has announced that it will halt sales of its drug Relyvrio in the U.S. and Canada, after a recent clinical trial showed that the drug failed to extend the lives or improve the symptoms of patients with ALS. This decision comes after the FDA controversially approved Relyvrio for ALS patients.
Apr 5, 2024
Significant progress seen in the treatment of aggressive lung cancer with AstraZeneca's Imfinzi
AstraZeneca has announced that its cancer drug, Imfinzi, has shown promising results in improving overall and progression-free survival in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer. The drug demonstrated significant improvement in these key goals during a late-stage trial. Small cell lung cancer is a highly aggressive form of cancer, and Imfinzi could provide a much-needed treatment option for patients. This development is critical for AstraZeneca, as oncology drugs accounted for a significant portion of its revenue last year.
Apr 5, 2024
A new study has found that Imfinzi from AstraZeneca increases survival rates in advanced stage lung cancer patients - AOL.com
AstraZeneca's cancer drug Imfinzi has shown significant improvement in overall survival and progression of small-cell lung cancer in a late-stage trial. This makes Imfinzi the first immunotherapy to meet two key trial goals for this aggressive form of cancer. Imfinzi, a human monoclonal antibody, works by blocking a tumor's ability to evade the immune system and boosting the body's anti-cancer immune response. With its success, AstraZeneca plans to seek approval for the drug in early-stage patients as well. Imfinzi generated $4.24 billion in sales in 2023 and is a key component of AstraZeneca's oncology portfolio.
Apr 5, 2024
Federal Circuit Rules Against Sumitomo in Drug Dosing Patent Dispute - Bloomberg Law Reports
Sumitomo Pharma Co. has succeeded in overturning a tribunal decision that invalidated its patent for the dosing regimen of its schizophrenia treatment, Latuda. The patent expired just before the appeal, prompting the US Court of Appeals to vacate the decision without further examination. Sumitomo had sued multiple drug makers developing generic versions of Latuda, but the Patent Trial and Appeal Board had ruled against the patent.
Apr 5, 2024
Boehringer Ingelheim plans staff reductions due to challenges in the biosimilar industry, reports BioPharma Dive
German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim is laying off staff due to slow adoption of its biosimilar drug Cyltezo, a competitor to AbbVie's immune disease drug Humira. The company plans to switch to a hybrid sales model, combining in-person and virtual sales, but has not specified how many jobs will be affected. The sluggish adoption of Cyltezo is partially due to pharmacy benefit managers keeping Humira on coverage lists, resulting in cheaper alternatives like Cyltezo underperforming. Boehringer Ingelheim remains committed to Cyltezo despite the layoffs.
Apr 5, 2024
Yahoo Finance reports on the top trending stocks which include AMD, Shell, AstraZeneca, and HubSpot.
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has announced positive results for its cancer drug Imfinzi in a late-stage clinical trial. The drug demonstrated a significant improvement in patient survival for small cell lung cancer. However, AstraZeneca's stock was down 1.1% in morning trade due to news that US federal payment rates to Medicare insurers will be lower than expected.
Apr 5, 2024
Imfinzi by AstraZeneca (AZN) Shows Improved Survival in Study on Small Cell Lung Cancer - Yahoo Finance
AstraZeneca has announced positive data from its phase III ADRIATIC study, which evaluated its cancer drug, Imfinzi (durvalumab), for treating patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). The study showed that treatment with Imfinzi led to statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival and progression-free survival in LS-SCLC patients. Imfinzi has become the first immunotherapy to demonstrate a survival benefit in the LS-SCLC setting in a phase III study. Imfinzi is already approved for the treatment of extensive-stage SCLC and is a key revenue driver for AstraZeneca's oncology portfolio.
Apr 5, 2024
Imfinzi from AstraZeneca demonstrates potential in addressing advanced lung cancer, study finds - ET HealthWorld
AstraZeneca's cancer drug Imfinzi has shown promising results in improving overall and progression-free survival in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer. The drug demonstrated significant improvements in survival and disease progression in a late-stage trial. Small cell lung cancer is an aggressive form of cancer with low survival rates. Imfinzi is part of AstraZeneca's key cancer portfolio and accounted for a significant portion of the company's revenue last year.
Apr 5, 2024
AstraZeneca announces encouraging results from Phase 3 trial, paving the way for Imfinzi to be used in early stages of lung cancer.
AstraZeneca announced that its cancer drug Imfinzi has shown significant improvement in overall survival and progression-free survival in a Phase 3 trial for small cell lung cancer. This marks a significant innovation in the standard of care for the disease, which has not seen any advancements in four decades.
Apr 5, 2024
Imfinzi from AstraZeneca shows improved survival rates in advanced lung cancer study - SaltWire
AstraZeneca announced that its cancer drug Imfinzi has shown significant improvement in overall survival and slowing the progression of small-cell lung cancer in a late-stage trial. Imfinzi, a human monoclonal antibody, inhibits the tumor's ability to evade the immune system while enhancing the body's anti-cancer response. With sales of $4.24 billion in 2023, Imfinzi is a key part of AstraZeneca's oncology portfolio and it is seeking approval to use the drug in the early stages of the disease.
Apr 5, 2024
Enhertu receives accelerated approval from FDA for tumor-agnostic use - report from Endpoints News
The FDA has granted a tumor-agnostic indication to Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca's antibody-drug conjugate, Enhertu, making it the first HER2-directed therapy to receive such approval. Previously approved for certain breast, lung, and stomach cancer patients, Enhertu can now be used in adults with advanced HER2-positive solid tumors who have exhausted other treatment options.
Apr 5, 2024
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca reports that its top-selling drug for lung cancer increases patient survival rates.
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has announced that its lung cancer drug, Imfinzi, has shown promise in treating highly aggressive small cell lung cancer, boosting survival rates among patients. This comes as AstraZeneca faces a shareholder rebellion over plans to pay CEO Pascal Soriot £18.9m this year. Last year, Soriot earned £16.9m, and he has been credited with turning around the company's fortunes since taking over in 2012. AstraZeneca has been focusing on developing new cancer treatments, with such drugs accounting for 40% of its sales last year.
Apr 4, 2024
FTC imposes $1.2 billion penalty on Cephalon in generic drug Provigil case in US - PYMNTS.com
The US Federal Trade Commission has fined pharmaceutical company Cephalon $1.2 billion over allegations of blocking generic competition for its sleep-disorder drug Provigil. The settlement requires Cephalon, now owned by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, to compensate purchasers who were overcharged for the drug. The settlement is subject to approval by a District Court Judge, with the trial scheduled to begin on 1 June in Pennsylvania.
Apr 4, 2024
A new compelling reason to consider purchasing shares of Viking Therapeutics now - The Globe and Mail
Viking Therapeutics' shares have surged by 340% this year after positive data from its weight loss drug trials. The clinical trials for its injected formulation of the drug demonstrated that patients could lose up to 14.7% of their body weight in just 13 weeks. The company also released data from a phase 1 trial investigating the oral formulation, which showed that patients lost 5.3% of their weight after 28 days. Analysts believe that Viking's drug has the potential to become a billion-dollar blockbuster.
Apr 4, 2024
Trial finds that diabetes medication akin to Ozempic decelerated advancement of Parkinson's disease
In a mid-stage trial, the diabetes drug lixisenatide, made by Sanofi and similar to Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, has shown potential to slow the progression of motor disability in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study followed 156 people with early-stage Parkinson's, with one group receiving lixisenatide and the other receiving a placebo. While the difference between the two groups was modest, the patients who took lixisenatide showed essentially no progression of motor symptoms. However, the drug was associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Larger and longer studies are needed to determine the drug's efficacy and safety in Parkinson's patients.
Apr 4, 2024
Biden and Bernie Sanders highlight decrease in inhaler prices - WSGW 790 AM & 100.5 FM
President Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders have joined forces to tackle the rising costs of inhalers and other pharmaceutical expenses for Americans with asthma. They are calling on Congress and pharmaceutical companies to do more to curb prices. The Federal Trade Commission is challenging the validity of drug patents to increase competition. One inhaler manufacturer has already eliminated patents, and three others plan to cap the cost of inhalers at $35 a month for many patients. The aim is to make prescription drugs more affordable and lower healthcare costs in the country.
Apr 4, 2024
Popular drug Opdivo developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb featured in Yahoo Movies
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated Bristol-Myers Squibb's (BMY) application for Opdivo, a drug used to treat Hodgkin's disease. Opdivo is currently approved for the treatment of melanoma and lung cancer, and analysts estimate its revenues to reach $2.92bn in 2016. The drug works by blocking the interaction between programmed death receptor protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligands, reducing tumour growth. The validation by EMA is an important step towards expanding the use of Opdivo and increasing revenue for Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Apr 4, 2024
Study suggests that a medication similar to Ozempic could potentially delay the progression of Parkinson's disease
A small study suggests that lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist similar to the weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, may slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Over the course of a year, researchers randomly assigned 156 people with early Parkinson's to either lixisenatide or a placebo. The symptoms of Parkinson's, such as tremor and stiffness, worsened in the placebo group but not in those taking the drug. However, experts caution that further research is needed and highlight side effects experienced by more than half of the patients, including nausea and vomiting.
Apr 3, 2024
J&J reports FTC investigation into actions to safeguard arthritis drug Remicade in the US
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued subpoenas to Johnson & Johnson (J&J) as part of an investigation into potential antitrust violations related to the contracting practices of their drug Remicade. The investigation stems from a lawsuit filed by Pfizer in 2017, accusing J&J of engaging in anticompetitive behavior to block sales of Pfizer's biosimilar version of Remicade. J&J faces scrutiny over alleged contracts with insurers that offered discounts for Remicade in exchange for preferential treatment and limited coverage of Pfizer's drug.
Apr 3, 2024
How are people in Australia getting access to Ozempic for weight loss despite lack of approval?
The rise in popularity of weight loss drug Ozempic, also known as Wegovy, has led to global demand and shortages. The drug, primarily approved for diabetes treatment in Australia, is being prescribed off-label for weight loss purposes. The manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, is struggling to keep up with the demand. Compounding pharmacies have been producing their own versions of Ozempic, but the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) plans to tighten regulations to prevent this practice. The TGA also warns against the use of compounded products, which have not been evaluated for safety and efficacy.
Apr 3, 2024
US: Rochester Argues J&J Unable to Resolve Remicade Antitrust Case through Arbitration - PYMNTS.com
Drug wholesaler Rochester Drug Cooperative is asking a federal appeals court to not send its lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to arbitration. The lawsuit accuses J&J of attempting to suppress competition for its rheumatoid arthritis drug Remicade. Rochester Drug Cooperative argues that its antitrust claims do not fall within the scope of the arbitration agreement it signed with J&J.
Apr 2, 2024
Groundbreaking Weight Loss Treatment Now Available to a Larger Number of Americans - SurvivorNet
Medicare will now cover the weight-loss drug Wegovy for patients at increased risk of cardiovascular problems, marking a significant shift in policy. Previously, Medicare did not cover weight-loss medications alone, but with the FDA's approval of Wegovy to reduce the risk of serious heart problems, many more people may now be eligible for the drug. However, this expansion of coverage may come at a higher cost for Medicare Part D users. Private health insurers may also face added pressure to cover the weight-loss drug.
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Apr 2, 2024
StreetInsider.com reports that Lexaria Bioscience (LEXX) has been awarded three new patents.
Pharmaceutical company Lexaria Bioscience Corp. has announced the receipt of three new patent awards. Two patents have been granted in the USA for the company's research into using DehydraTECH-CBD to treat epilepsy, while a third patent has been granted in Japan for enhanced delivery of antiviral agents. These patents add to Lexaria's existing portfolio of 41 granted patents worldwide and support the company's future business goals.
Apr 2, 2024
CEO of AstraZeneca Emphasizes Target of Achieving $45B in Sales Over the Next Decade Despite Investor Skepticism ...
AstraZeneca has achieved its sales target of $45 billion by 2023, a milestone set a decade ago in response to pressure from rival Pfizer. Despite hitting this target, CEO Pascal Soriot must work to convince investors that AstraZeneca's best days are not behind it. The company has seen stagnant share prices and faces challenges from weight loss drug competitors such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. However, AstraZeneca's transformation under Soriot's leadership serves as a model for the industry, with a focus on a diversified portfolio and investments in research and development.
Apr 2, 2024
Teva and Viatris win appeal in challenge against J&J patent for schizophrenia drug
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ruled in favor of Teva Pharmaceuticals and Viatris, finding Johnson & Johnson's final patent for its schizophrenia drug Invega Sustenna to be invalid. The court agreed with Teva that a district court had made an error in its assessment of the patent. If Teva is successful in proving the patent's invalidity, it could pave the way for generic competition and potentially lower drug prices for patients. Johnson & Johnson disagrees with the ruling and intends to defend the intellectual property of Invega Sustenna.
Apr 2, 2024
Liquidia's dry powder PAH drug Yutrepia gets clearance from courts for potential FDA approval - Fierce Pharma
Liquidia Corporation announces that the FDA has received clearance to approve its pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment Yutrepia, following the lifting of an injunction and the denial of another in lawsuits filed by United Therapeutics. The decision comes shortly after the expiration of United's regulatory exclusivity for its PAH drug Tyvaso, which accounted for 59% of its sales in 2023. Liquidia plans to launch Yutrepia for both PAH and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) upon FDA approval. United has filed another lawsuit alleging patent infringement by Yutrepia.
Apr 2, 2024
American people are charged $1,000 for a diabetes drug that costs less than $5 to produce, leading to comparisons with... - Benzinga
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has experienced significant success in the past five years, with its stock increasing by over 400%. The company's success has been attributed to its blockbuster drug Ozempic, which generated over $13 billion in revenue last year. However, the high profit margins of the drug have sparked debate over its pricing, with critics arguing that it is excessive. Researchers have suggested that Ozempic could be manufactured at a fraction of its retail price. This discussion comes amid growing concerns over the rising prices of pharmaceutical drugs in the US.
Apr 2, 2024
Teva and Viatris bring back patent dispute against Johnson & Johnson's Invega, a popular long-acting schizophrenia drug...
Teva and Viatris have won an appeals court decision that challenges the last remaining US patent on Johnson & Johnson's schizophrenia drug, Invega Sustenna. The court ruled that the patent may be invalid, primarily due to dosing regimens. This decision sends the case back to New Jersey federal court for reconsideration, giving Teva another opportunity to prove the patent's invalidity. J&J has defended its intellectual property and has generated significant sales from the Invega franchise.
Apr 2, 2024
Bernie Sanders criticizes pharmaceutical company responsible for Ozempic - Mediaite
Senator Bernie Sanders has called for the price of weight loss drugs to be reduced after a study showed that drugs like Ozempic can be produced for a few dollars a month, but are sold for up to $1,000. Sanders has urged Novo Nordisk to lower its US prices to match those in other countries. The company defended its drug pricing, while Sanders called for the federal government to have a greater role in negotiating prescription drug prices and criticized lobbyists working for drug companies.
Apr 2, 2024
Teva and Viatris granted opportunity to challenge J&J's patent for schizophrenia treatment
Teva and Viatris have been given an opportunity to challenge Johnson & Johnson's last patent covering schizophrenia drug Invega Sustenna, following a federal circuit panel decision. In a lawsuit filed in 2018, J&J's Janssen unit had sued Teva over patent infringement, but the court initially found that Teva had not proven the patent to be invalid. However, the recent decision now allows Teva and Viatria to challenge the patent.
Apr 2, 2024
Affordable Diabetes Medication Priced Below $5 Causes Americans to Pay $1,000, Prompting Comparisons to ...
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has seen its stock rise over 400% in the past five years, driven by the success of its diabetes drug, Ozempic. The drug brought in over $13 billion in revenue last year, with 66% of sales coming from the US market. However, the high price of the drug has sparked debate over excessive profit margins. A study from Yale University found that Ozempic could be manufactured at a cost of just 89 cents, while it costs patients $968.52 per month in the US. Politicians are calling for action to address the high costs.
Apr 1, 2024
Exploring the Emergence of Ozempic: Uncovering Unexpected Findings and Lizard Venom's Role in Pioneering a Novel Weight...
The blockbuster drug, Ozempic, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, is now being widely used for weight loss. The GLP-1 receptor agonist stimulates insulin secretion and slows down gastric emptying, leading to increased feelings of fullness. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, saw sales of the drug reach A$21 billion in 2023. Other drugs with similar mechanisms of action, such as Mounjaro and retatrutide, are also showing promise for weight loss in clinical trials. However, these drugs currently need to be administered by injection as they are not effectively absorbed by the gut if taken orally.
Apr 1, 2024
Identification of Key Segments in the Cancer Drug Therapy Industry Market to Drive Growth
The global market for kidney cancer drugs is expected to grow due to the increasing prevalence of the disease and the need for effective treatments. The market is driven by factors such as lifestyle choices, aging population, and rising cases of kidney cancer. However, high drug costs and uncertain reimbursement policies may hinder market growth. Innovators are focusing on targeted therapies and immunotherapies, while competition from generic drugs is a challenge. The market is expected to reach a value of US$ million by 2030 with a CAGR of %.
Apr 1, 2024
FDA Grants Approval to AstraZeneca, Enhancing Rare Disease Franchise
AstraZeneca has gained FDA approval for Voydeya (danicopan), an add-on therapy for its rare disease drugs Ultomiris and Soliris. Voydeya, an oral factor D inhibitor, is indicated for a subset of adults with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) who experience clinically significant removal of red blood cells. AstraZeneca acquired Voydeya as part of its acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals last year, and aims to transition patients from Soliris to Ultomiris to counter competition from biosimilars. Novartis and Roche are also developing drugs for the PNH market.
Apr 1, 2024
Daewoong and Chong Kun Dang to collaborate on promoting GERD medication Fexuclue
Daewoong Pharmaceutical has entered into a strategic partnership with Chong Kun Dang Pharm. to co-market Fexuclue, a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The collaboration aims to sell 1 trillion won ($742.6 million) worth of Fexuclue. Fexuclue offers several advantages over existing treatments, including a longer half-life and quicker relief of symptoms. Daewoong expects the expanded reimbursement and joint sales with Chong Kun Dang to boost Fexuclue's prescription growth. The companies will leverage their expertise in the market to lead the domestic GERD treatment sector.
Apr 1, 2024
Teva and Viatris granted opportunity to contest J&J patent for schizophrenia drug.
Teva Pharmaceutical and Viatris have successfully revived their challenges to a patent covering Johnson & Johnson's schizophrenia drug Invega Sustenna, with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit stating that the patent may be invalid. This opens up the opportunity for Teva and Viatris to launch generic versions of the drug, providing a cheaper option for patients. J&J plans to continue defending the intellectual property of Invega Sustenna. The drug generated over $4.1 billion in sales worldwide last year.
Apr 1, 2024
Appeals Court in US rules to revive Teva and Viatris lawsuit against J&J for patent infringement of schizophrenia drug
Teva Pharmaceutical and Viatris have won a US appeals court ruling, reviving their efforts to challenge Johnson & Johnson's patent for the schizophrenia drug Invega Sustenna. The decision opens the door for the launch of more affordable generic versions of the medication. The court ruled that J&J's last remaining patent for the drug could be invalid and sent the case back to a New Jersey federal court for reassessment. Teva expressed satisfaction with the ruling, while J&J and Viatris have not commented yet. Last year, Invega Sustenna generated over $4.1 billion in global sales for J&J.
Apr 1, 2024
Actress Rebel Wilson Used Ozempic, a Medication Criticized as 'Harmful' by Her Trainer - SurvivorNet
Rebel Wilson has admitted to using Ozempic to help her maintain her weight loss goals after losing 80 pounds. Ozempic is an FDA-approved prescription medication for adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug is administered as a weekly injection and helps the pancreas make more insulin, ultimately lowering blood sugar levels. Although not FDA-approved for weight loss, some doctors have been prescribing it for that purpose. Wilson, who suffers from polycystic ovarian syndrome, recommended weight loss by her IVF doctor, and found success with Ozempic.
Mar 31, 2024
Sources say Takeda has started the process of selling its Western European drugs
Takeda Pharmaceutical is looking to sell a portfolio of drugs in western Europe to help reduce its debt following the acquisition of Shire. The Japanese company expects to raise around €1.5bn ($1.7bn) from the sale, which includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, many of which have expired patents. Takeda has sent out information packages to prospective buyers and hopes to receive indicative bids after the summer. The sale of its Western European drugs is expected to draw interest from industry players such as Stada, Zentiva and Recordati. Takeda is also divesting its Latin American assets, valued at about $1bn.
