pharmaceutical industry

The FDA will reconsider approving a gene therapy for a rare childhood brain disorder it previously rejected, following recent leadership changes. The U.S. also launched a trade investigation into Germany's plan to reduce pharmaceutical spending, which faced industry opposition and was revised.

EU lawmakers voted to suspend parts of the wastewater cleanup law, citing concerns that requiring pharmaceutical companies to pay for removing micropollutants could exacerbate medicine shortages. The move calls for an independent study to reassess costs and sectoral responsibility, with conservative and right-wing groups opposing the polluter-pays principle while center-left lawmakers argue it risks public health.

Europe risks losing its leadership in the pharmaceutical sector due to geopolitical challenges and internal indifference, with the United States' Most-Favored-Nation pricing policy and China's rapid advancements in biotechnology and innovation exacerbating the decline. Europe lags behind in clinical trials, R&D spending, and attracting investment compared to the US and China.

Australia’s Sigma Healthcare has abandoned a $10bn takeover of the UK retail chain Boots, citing strategic and capital investment objectives as the reason. The deal, which would have acquired a business with 1,800 UK stores, ends ongoing discussions and extends uncertainty for the 177-year-old British chain.

The European Union's new pharmaceutical incentives have sparked a debate between industry groups seeking extended patent protections for nearly 30 drugs and advocates prioritizing patient access. Industry is requesting additional patent extensions for approximately 30 medications under the EU's new pharmaceutical policies.

The global pharmaceutical industry is caught in geopolitical and trade tensions as the Trump administration threatens tariffs on manufacturers or countries to promote US drugmaker sovereignty and reduce prescription drug prices for Americans.

Brazil's government is investing heavily in vaccines and the country's medical-industrial complex to revive domestic pharmaceutical capabilities. The initiative reflects a strategic focus on strengthening Brazil's healthcare infrastructure and vaccine production capacity.

West Pharmaceutical Services was targeted by a cyberattack resulting in data theft and system encryption. The company disclosed the attack, which compromised its systems and led to data exfiltration. The incident highlights growing cybersecurity concerns in the pharmaceutical industry.

Novo raises its forecast due to strong sales of its Wegovy pill. The company's revenue is expected to increase as a result. This growth is driven by the popularity of the Wegovy medication.

The pharmaceutical industry's reputation among patient groups rose last year, with 57% of over 2,400 groups reporting a positive reputation. However, concerns remain about access and pricing. The industry's reputation is still below its 2022 level.

UK-based fund AVI is demanding the resignation of the chairman of Japanese pharmaceutical company Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. The company's headquarters is located in Osaka, Japan.

Italy's Angelini Group is reportedly exploring the acquisition of Catalyst Pharma, a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company. The potential deal highlights strategic expansion in the pharmaceutical sector.

Podcaster Joe Rogan mocked a controversial AI-generated image of Donald Trump portrayed as a Jesus-like figure, which Trump had posted on social media amid a feud with Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war. Trump claimed the image depicted him as a 'doctor,' but faced backlash, leading him to delete the post. Rogan and guest Andy Stumpf discussed political corruption and Trump's broken promises on avoiding Middle East wars.

Novo Nordisk's share price increased following positive results from its new obesity drug. The strong performance reflects investor confidence in the pharmaceutical company's obesity treatment pipeline.