Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
Pharma Companies Question New EU Incentives
Pharmaceutical companies are expressing concern over the new legislative overhaul approved by a committee for the European Parliament. Despite the aim of making Europe more attractive for pharma companies, the pharmaceutical industry worries these changes may have the opposite effect. The new directive and regulation offer companies a regulatory data protection period of seven and a half years and two years of market protection. This is less time than current regulations allow but more time than the six years originally sought by the European Commission. Industry groups argue these changes might deter pharma investments in Europe.
Novo Nordisk’s $556M Expansion in China
Novo Nordisk is expanding its manufacturing capacity in China with a $556 million investment, celebrating its 30th anniversary of operating in the region. The project aims to employ isolator technology to improve the production process, expected to be completed by 2027. This takes place after a hefty investment in expanding the company’s capacity in Tianjin in 2023.
Takeda’s $5.2B Ariad Deal Benefits
Takeda’s cancer drug Iclusig has received FDA accelerated approval for treating newly-diagnosed adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). The approval is a significant result of Takeda’s $5.2 billion deal to acquire Ariad Pharmaceuticals in 2017. Iclusig was first approved in 2012 for patients with resistant or intolerant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Rise in Medication Abortions in US
According to new data from the Guttmacher Institute, medication abortions represented 63% of all US abortions last year. This increase is partly due to expanded access through telehealth services. However, a Supreme Court case that could limit access to the widely-used abortion pill mifepristone is due to begin soon.
Morgan Health Aims to Cut Pharma Costs
Morgan Health, first founded in 2021 to address JP Morgan’s healthcare costs, is now looking into the pharmaceutical segment. Expensive newly prescribed medicines and experimental therapies are exerting pressure on employers’ healthcare expenses. Morgan Health uses a $250 million fund to invest in health companies and then implements their programs with JP Morgan employees to test new ways of paying for healthcare.
Weight-loss Medication Focus in Oprah’s TV Special
During a recent hour-long special, Oprah addressed the stigma of obesity and the efficacy of GLP-1 medications. The show, featuring a variety of guests, raised questions about coverage and costs of medication, including Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. Both of the companies’ executives addressed the issues of shortages, costs, and access during the telecast.
