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Pharmaceuticals

All articles tagged with #pharmaceuticals

Merck reshapes structure to create dedicated cancer unit led by Keytruda
business2 days ago

Merck reshapes structure to create dedicated cancer unit led by Keytruda

Merck will split its human-health business into two units: a cancer-focused division led by Keytruda and a separate non-oncology medicines arm, as the company diversifies ahead of Keytruda’s looming loss of exclusivity. Keytruda remains the world’s top-selling drug, with more than $30 billion in revenue in 2025, accounting for about half of Merck’s total revenue. Shares rose about 1.4% in premarket trading. Merck has expanded its pipeline and made major acquisitions to bolster growth, and appointed Jannie Oosthuizen to lead the new cancer unit.

via CNBC|
#business#cancer#corporate-split
Water-Based Peptide Synthesis Could Cut Waste From Popular GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs
science15 days ago

Water-Based Peptide Synthesis Could Cut Waste From Popular GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs

The article reports that GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs like Ozempic are produced via solid‑phase peptide synthesis using solvents such as dimethylformamide, generating massive toxic‑chemical waste (estimates exceed 123 million pounds annually for semaglutide alone) and affecting over 80 peptide drugs. A Nature Sustainability study from the University of Melbourne proposes a water‑based synthesis approach—using salts and a biodegradable activating method—to enable high‑concentration peptide production in water, potentially reducing environmental impact if scalable, though industrial rollout remains to be seen.

via Futurism|
#chemistry#environment#health
TrumpRx.gov aims to slash U.S. drug prices via MFN discounts
healthcare20 days ago

TrumpRx.gov aims to slash U.S. drug prices via MFN discounts

President Trump launched TrumpRx.gov to offer steep discounts on 40 high-cost medicines by tying U.S. prices to MFN prices paid in other developed nations. The rollout includes drugs from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer, with additional products to follow. Patients with prescriptions can access savings via printable or mobile coupons or through manufacturer channels integrated into TrumpRx.gov. Notable examples include large price cuts for diabetes, obesity, fertility, COPD, asthma, and insulin, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Gonal-F, Cetrotide, Ovidrel, and insulin lispro. The move builds on prior executive orders and agreements aimed at lowering prices and reforming how American drug costs are set.

via The White House (.gov)|
#drug-prices#healthcare#mfn-pricing
GLP-1 Gold Rush: Weight-Loss Jabs Redefine Bodies and the Pharma Race
life-and-arts1 month ago

GLP-1 Gold Rush: Weight-Loss Jabs Redefine Bodies and the Pharma Race

Anjana Ahuja reviews Aimee Donnellan’s Off the Scales, which chronicles the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss injections (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) from their science origins to their rapid market dominance, the patent battles and credit disputes, and their sweeping social impact on obesity stigma, healthcare, and industries from food to fashion. The book follows Novo Nordisk’s lead, the competitive push from Eli Lilly, and includes personal-case anecdotes to illustrate life-changing weight loss, while also flagging potential downsides and long-term unknowns as access broadens and patents lapse—remarkably readable but perhaps too broad in scope according to the review.

via Financial Times|
#glp-1#life-and-arts#novo-nordisk
Wegovy shows early momentum with 3,071 U.S. prescriptions in launch days
healthcare-and-pharmaceuticals1 month ago

Wegovy shows early momentum with 3,071 U.S. prescriptions in launch days

Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy drew 3,071 U.S. prescriptions in the first four days after its launch, IQVIA data shared by analysts show, indicating early momentum in a competitive weight‑loss market as the company vies with Eli Lilly. The figure counts retail prescriptions only (not online NovoCare Pharmacy fillings), so actual demand is likely higher.

via Reuters|
#health#healthcare-and-pharmaceuticals#novo-nordisk
Patent cliffs spark a new wave of pharma dealmaking
business1 month ago

Patent cliffs spark a new wave of pharma dealmaking

Pharma execs gathering for the JPMorgan healthcare conference expect a robust M&A wave as patent expirations threaten about 12% of industry revenue, with roughly $40bn in sales losing protection this year and about $180bn more going off patent in 2027–28. Big moves are already underway (Merck eyeing Revolution Medicines; Lilly buying Ventyx), and improved pricing-policy clarity under the current administration has lifted deal enthusiasm, pushing the S&P Biotech index to multi-year highs and fueling speculation of even larger consolidations amid a potentially friendlier antitrust environment.

via Financial Times|
#biotech#business#jpmorgan-healthcare-conference
Pink Viagra Returns to the Spotlight
health1 month ago

Pink Viagra Returns to the Spotlight

Addyi, marketed as the 'female Viagra,' was approved over a decade ago amid controversy, but it has proven to be only marginally effective with significant side effects. Despite lobbying efforts and expanded indications for older women, the drug's actual benefits are minimal, with only a slight increase in satisfying sexual events, and it remains a poor choice compared to other medications. The article criticizes the drug's approval process and marketing tactics, emphasizing that it is not a safe or effective solution for female sexual desire issues.

via American Council on Science and Health|
#addyi#drug-efficacy#fda
Top 3 Discounted Drug Stocks to Watch
business2 months ago

Top 3 Discounted Drug Stocks to Watch

The article discusses the recent developments in the GLP-1 drug market, highlighting Novo Nordisk's new pill and the potential of out-of-favor drug makers like Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, and Pfizer as long-term investment opportunities due to their efforts to innovate and survive patent cliffs. Despite current setbacks, these companies are positioned for future growth, making them attractive for contrarian investors.

via The Motley Fool|
#business#glp-1-drugs#merck