Novo hikes sales outlook on rising potential for obesity, diabetes drugs

The success of Wegovy in a landmark heart disease study has fueled higher sales projections, even though the Danish drugmaker is still struggling to maintain a big enough supply. 

By Jonathan Gardner • Aug. 10, 2023

J&J grows cancer drug portfolio with newly approved bispecific

The drug, which will be sold under the brand name Talvey, is now cleared by the FDA to treat multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that J&J has identified as a research priority.

By Jacob Bell • Aug. 10, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from BioPharma Dive

Looming patent expiries this decade and intensifying competition from China are forcing drugmakers to adapt, while new opportunities open up in oncology and in neuroscience.

By BioPharma Dive staff

Astellas to expand presence in Massachusetts with new research hub

The planned facility in the biotech hotspot of Cambridge will include incubator space for startups and adds to Astellas’ R&D footprint in the Boston area.

By Delilah Alvarado • Aug. 10, 2023

Novartis says drug helps control chronic hives in studies

The studies are another example of drugmakers exploring how so-called BTK inhibitors can be used to treat diseases outside of blood cancer. 

By Kristin Jensen • Aug. 9, 2023

Lilly market value soars on higher sales, obesity drug potential

The Indianapolis drugmaker’s value rose past $500 billion, higher than any other pharmaceutical company, as analysts project lucrative markets for its obesity and Alzheimer's drugs.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Updated Aug. 8, 2023

Novartis sickle cell drug’s approval formally revoked by EU regulators

The company said it would withdraw the drug, Adakveo, from the EU market after the European Commission endorsed an earlier EMA recommendation.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Aug. 4, 2023

RSV antibody from Sanofi, AstraZeneca backed by CDC for use in infants

The treatment, which won FDA approval in July, is expected to be available by the start of the typical RSV season this fall.

By Delilah Alvarado • Aug. 4, 2023

Moderna looks to new COVID booster, RSV shot to curb falling sales

Sales of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine plummeted 94% year over year. But executives believe newer products can help revenue rebound.

By Delilah Alvarado • Aug. 3, 2023

GSK broadens use of cancer immunotherapy with latest FDA OK

The pharma’s drug Jemperli was cleared for patients with newly diagnosed endometrial tumors, but could soon face competition from Merck’s Keytruda.

By Jonathan Gardner • Aug. 1, 2023

Pfizer weighs cutting costs as COVID drug sales ebb

Revenue in the second quarter declined by 53% year over year due to lower sales of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine and antiviral, which have been less in demand this year.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Aug. 1, 2023

Merck, chasing Pfizer, claims study success for new pneumonia vaccine

The pharma said its latest shot, which covers 21 strains of bacteria, cleared two Phase 3 trials and in some cases spurred a stronger immune response than Pfizer’s Prevnar 20. 

By Kristin Jensen • July 27, 2023

GSK confident in RSV vaccine launch, but sets expectations for ‘steady build’

GSK expects its respiratory syncytial virus vaccine will be a multibillion dollar product. But at the beginning, it’s predicting a slower launch than for its fast-selling shingles shot.

By Delilah Alvarado • July 27, 2023

Biosimilar makers split strategies in bid to take on top-selling Humira

In challenging AbbVie for share of a $19 billion drug market, competitors are testing whether high upfront discounts or behind-the-scenes rebates can win them an advantage.

By Jonathan Gardner • July 26, 2023

Teva strengthens ties with biosimilar maker Alvotech

Despite setbacks with a Humira biosimilar, the partners have expanded an existing alliance, with Teva agreeing to purchase bonds while Alvotech pursues a stock sale.

By Jonathan Gardner • July 24, 2023

Bavarian Nordic to scrap RSV vaccine after study setback

The shot failed to meet a key goal of Bavarian Nordic’s Phase 3 study, a finding that separates it from marketed vaccines developed by Pfizer and GSK.

By Delilah Alvarado • July 24, 2023

EMA backs Pfizer’s RSV vaccine for use during pregnancy

The regulator’s recommendation for approval of Pfizer’s shot as a maternal immunization comes ahead of the FDA, which is currently reviewing that indication.

By Delilah Alvarado • July 21, 2023

J&J shares jump on strong sales, boosted outlook

The pharmaceutical giant raised its guidance for the year as it predicts “above market” growth to continue for its prescription drug business.

By Ned Pagliarulo • July 20, 2023

Novartis raises drug sales forecast, plans new stock buybacks

The pharma company, which will soon split off its generic drug unit, plans to repurchase up to $15 billion of its shares through the end of 2025.

By Ned Pagliarulo • July 18, 2023

The rise of the new pharma marketer in an evolving commercial model

Meet the pharma marketer of the future, primed for personalization and powered by technology.

July 17, 2023

First nonprescription birth control pill approved by FDA

The oral contraceptive’s maker, Perrigo, said the pill will be available in drug and grocery stores early next year, but did not disclose its planned price.

By Delilah Alvarado • July 13, 2023

EMA expands probe of possible suicide risk to popular weight loss, diabetes drugs

The European drug regulator says it now has 150 reports of possible cases involving self-injury and suicidal thoughts among people taking GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic.

By Kristin Jensen • July 12, 2023

Takeda withdraws FDA approval application for dengue vaccine

While the shot is approved in the EU, Takeda wasn’t able to address data collection issues raised by the U.S. regulator in its current review cycle.

By Delilah Alvarado • July 11, 2023

Novartis cancels BeiGene deal as questions over cancer drug target persist

The companies’ decision to end their partnership on a TIGIT-blocking drug raises new doubts over a mechanism of action that has already produced setbacks for Roche and Merck.

By Jonathan Gardner • July 11, 2023

Bristol Myers licenses Prothena, Evotec brain drugs, inching back into neuroscience

The pharma, which had largely exited the field several years ago, will pay nearly $100 million combined to the two biotechs for rights to several experimental candidates.

By Ned Pagliarulo • July 11, 2023

Eisai’s Ivan Cheung, who oversaw Alzheimer’s drug success, to depart

Keisuke Naito, the son of Eisai’s CEO, will replace Cheung as the company’s global Alzheimer’s disease head. The change in leadership comes days after Eisai won full U.S. approval of its drug Leqembi.

By Jacob Bell • July 11, 2023