Tofacitinib

Drugmakers plan to raise U.S. prices on over 250 branded medications in 2025, with most increases below 10%. Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Sanofi are among those adjusting prices, citing inflation and investment needs. The U.S. continues to pay the highest for prescription drugs globally.

Bristol Myers Squibb's Sotyktu, a TYK2 inhibitor, showed positive Phase 3 results in psoriatic arthritis, potentially expanding its use beyond plaque psoriasis. The drug met primary and secondary goals in two studies, offering a safer alternative to JAK inhibitors. BMS aims to discuss these results with health authorities to fend off competition from other TYK2 inhibitors.

ICER's review found 5 of the 10 highest-priced U.S. drugs lacked new clinical evidence to justify price increases, costing payers $815M in 2023. ICER uses the GRADE approach to assess evidence quality, focusing on new, moderate- to high-quality evidence. Some drugs, like Keytruda, Imfinzi, and Opdivo, had price increases supported by new evidence from randomized control trials.

U.S. senators question whether telehealth platforms from Pfizer and Eli Lilly, like PfizerForAll and LillyDirect, are tools for patient convenience or illegal sales strategies. The senators express concerns over potential pressure on doctors to prescribe company products and violations of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. They request details by Nov. 25, highlighting issues of inappropriate prescribing and increased healthcare costs.

Eli Lilly missed Q3 estimates, lowered guidance; Merck beat estimates, initiated phase III study; Pfizer beat estimates, raised 2024 guidance; AbbVie beat estimates, acquired Aliada, collaborated with EvolveImmune; Novartis beat estimates, raised 2024 expectations, FDA approved Scemblix expansion.

Durbin and other senators demand Pfizer and Eli Lilly provide details on their new telehealth platforms, questioning if these arrangements steer patients toward specific medications and potentially violate federal law, specifically the Anti-Kickback Statute.

Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla's bold bet on a Covid-19 vaccine paid off, making Pfizer a household name and generating billions in sales. However, Pfizer's stock price has since dropped due to miscalculated vaccine demand and underperforming post-pandemic goals. Activist investor Starboard Value has taken a $1 billion stake in Pfizer, criticizing Bourla's leadership. Despite this, Bourla enjoys support from Pfizer's board and has implemented cost-cutting measures and reorganization efforts. Pfizer's post-pandemic slump, miscalculated demand, and underperforming new drug launches have led to a significant drop in stock value. Starboard's campaign against Bourla has become personal, accusing Pfizer of pressuring former executives to support Bourla. Bourla's ambitious goals and risks during the pandemic have been both praised and criticized, with some acquisitions yet to yield results.

JAK inhibitors are key drugs for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer, with billions in revenue. They target JAK enzymes, crucial for cytokine signaling, reducing inflammation and symptoms. Approved for atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and alopecia areata, they offer significant benefits. For cancer, they treat myelofibrosis and are being explored in combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Safety concerns led to FDA and EMA restrictions, but market growth is expected due to rising autoimmune disease prevalence.

The Global Gastrointestinal Diseases Therapeutics Market is projected to grow by USD 18.5 billion from 2024-2028, driven by increasing disease incidence and nutritional therapies. Key players include Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca Plc, and others. High treatment costs pose a challenge.