Biogen has a fuzzy line of sight on prized Alzheimer’s drug

CEO Chris Viehbacher said there are about 3,800 U.S. patients on a registry for Leqembi. But Biogen doesn’t have all the details, as development partner Eisai is leading commercial efforts.

By Jacob Bell • Feb. 13, 2024

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Feb. 12, 2024

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Commercialization

New drugs for obesity are becoming blockbusters, while Trump administration pressure is reshaping pharma marketing strategies ahead of looming patent cliffs.

By BioPharma Dive staff

Eisai falls behind on Leqembi patient goal

The Alzheimer’s drug was administered to a total of 2,000 U.S. patients as of Jan. 26, signaling to analysts that an earlier goal of 10,000 may take longer than expected to hit.

By Jacob Bell • Feb. 6, 2024

Biogen quits Aduhelm, handing back rights to original developer

The decision to discontinue the controversial drug closes a tumultuous three-year saga that brought significant upheaval to the company.

By Jacob Bell • Jan. 31, 2024

FDA orders new cancer warnings for CAR-T therapies

The agency later modified its warning for Gilead's Tecartus, tweaking the label's language to reflect the fact that none of T cell malignancies in question had occurred in Tecartus-treated patients.

By Jonathan Gardner • Updated Jan. 24, 2024

Biogen CEO sees progress in launch of Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi

At the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Monday, company head Chris Viehbacher said insurance reimbursement is now ‘not an issue’ for treatment.

By Jacob Bell • Jan. 8, 2024

Lilly launches online service for home delivery of weight loss drug

The new program, dubbed LillyDirect, will help patients connect with telehealth providers and deliver medicines like the company’s obesity drug Zepbound.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Jan. 4, 2024

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A return to profitable growth is on the horizon—organizations that take advantage of the following key trends can thrive in 2024 and beyond.

Dec. 11, 2023

CVS overhauls how its retail pharmacies charge for prescription drugs

Under the new model, CVS’ pharmacy network will price drugs based on the amount the company paid for them, plus a defined markup and additional pharmacist fee.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Dec. 5, 2023

European regulators want to know more about the risks of GLP-1 drugs

The EMA's safety committee has more questions for makers of the in-demand therapies as it reviews whether the drugs are linked to the risk of suicidal thoughts. 

By Jacob Bell • Dec. 1, 2023

Cigna, Humana in talks to merge: WSJ

The merger would have major effects for the makeup of the U.S. health insurance industry, and would almost certainly face a regulatory challenge.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Nov. 29, 2023

Medtronic CEO downplays impact of obesity drugs on procedures, devices

Surging demand for GLP-1 agonists has put medtech firms like Medtronic under pressure, even as they argue the hit to their businesses will be minimal.

By Ricky Zipp • Nov. 21, 2023

Bristol Myers faces FDA delay on cancer cell therapy decision

The regulator plans to convene an advisory panel to discuss an expanded indication for Abecma, presenting another hurdle for Bristol Myers and partner 2seventy bio.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Nov. 20, 2023

New AMA policies target GLP-1 coverage, corporate medicine

The lobbying group urged broader health insurance coverage for treating obesity, including with GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy.

By Susanna Vogel • Nov. 14, 2023

Wegovy study details revive debate over GLP-1 impact on devices

Shares in several heart device makers, which have been battered over the perceived impact of obesity medicines, rose this week following AHA data on Novo’s therapy.

By Susan Kelly • Nov. 13, 2023

Biogen, Sage set price of postpartum depression pill at $15,900

The price is below what some analysts had predicted and significantly less than $34,000 Sage initially set for its earlier postpartum infusion, Zulresso.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Nov. 7, 2023

Transforming MS care to meet patient needs

Developing holistic treatment approaches that address patient needs today and in the future.

By Abhijit Barve, MD, PhD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Viatris • Nov. 6, 2023

Novo, Lilly buoyed by fast-growing GLP-1 drug sales

The rival companies reported strong quarterly sales growth for their latest products, which could face off as weight loss treatments next year.

By Jonathan Gardner • Nov. 2, 2023

The obesity drug effect: What medical device executives are saying

Stock selloffs across the medical device sector have erased hundreds of billions of dollars in market value. But medtech executives argue GLP-1 drug demand will complement, not cannibalize, their sales. 

By Susan Kelly • Nov. 2, 2023

GSK outpaces Pfizer in RSV vaccine market

Sales of GSK’s new RSV shot Arexvy were more than double what Pfizer reported for its rival product, suggesting substantial demand this fall.

By Kristin Jensen • Nov. 1, 2023

5 things to look for in a marketing analytics partner

Effective marketing measurement requires objectivity, connected data, transparency, a track record of innovation and a proven ability to execute.

Oct. 23, 2023

Roche eye drug sales grow as Regeneron plays catch-up

The Swiss pharma reported expanding U.S. market share for its new AMD drug Vabysmo as Regeneron tries to rebound from a now-resolved delay for its high-dose Eylea.

By Jonathan Gardner • Oct. 19, 2023

Keytruda gains first approval for pre- and post-surgery use in lung cancer

The Merck drug leads competitors Opdivo and Imfinzi into a new immunotherapy setting, which aims to improve outcomes following the surgical removal of tumors.

By Jonathan Gardner • Oct. 17, 2023

Pfizer wins FDA approval for its $7B colitis drug

Acquired with the buyout of Arena Pharmaceuticals, Velsipity enters a competitive market for ulcerative colitis pills.

By Jonathan Gardner • Oct. 13, 2023

Amylyx’s ALS drug knocked back again in Europe

Following a re-examination, the EMA again concluded that Albrioza — known as Relyvrio in the U.S. — should not be cleared for the European market.

By Jacob Bell • Oct. 13, 2023