Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
**1. Eisai Struggles to Meet Alzheimer’s Patient Goal**
Due to disappointing Q3 sales for the Eisai and Biogen partnered Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi, achievement of patient uptake targets is likely to be delayed. Eisai remains optimistic about the drug, anticipating $7 billion in global sales by 2030. However, achieving a 10,000-patient target presents a significant challenge due to slower-than-expected launch dynamics.
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**2. FDA Foreign Inspection Practices Under Scrutiny**
A House Energy & Commerce subcommittee has called the FDA’s foreign inspection operations into question, amid increased scrutiny of inspection backlogs and difficulties with foreign governments. Lawmakers have emphasized the importance of continual improvements to foreign inspection processes especially given recent threats to subpoena the FDA for information about foreign drug inspections.
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**3. Upcoming Senate Hearing Could Affect Drug Prices**
The effect of an upcoming Senate hearing involving testimony from three pharma CEOs on high drug prices remains unclear. While some members of the Senate’s HELP committee believe the hearing could impact policy, others dismiss the event as “CEO whack-a-mole” with limited legislative outcomes.
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**4. House Committee Identifies Cause of Generic Drug Shortages**
The House Ways and Means Committee has identified problematic generic drug manufacturing and low prices as significant contributors to chronic drug shortages. Proposed solutions include increased disclosure from manufacturers and the introduction of stockpiling incentives.
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**5. Lilly to Increase Manufacturing Capacity for Obesity Drug**
Facing a shortage of GLP-1/GIP agonists, Lilly has confirmed plans to increase its manufacturing capacity. The pharma giant is navigating the complexity of securing, building, and operationalizing new facilities. The recent acquisition of Catalent by competitor Novo Holdings adds additional urgency to Lilly’s expansion efforts.
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**6. Pharma Ads Caught in Stricter Meta Enforcement**
Pharma companies Sanofi and Gilead have seen their social media ads removed for violating Meta’s social, election, or political ad policies… a trend that industry insiders suggest is on the rise. As Meta aims to establish a reputation as a ‘safe’ platform, pharma ads addressing social issues are increasingly coming under scrutiny.
