Rimegepant

The National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) faces budget pressure and competition, with 445 drugs passing formal review in 2024. Oncology, immunology, neurology, and rare diseases see strategic positioning and comparator choices as key. Contract renewals and re-negotiations are under pressure, emphasizing clear messaging and data preparation for NRDL success.

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.

The drug and biotech industry thrives on M&A, new drug launches, and pipeline successes, with obesity drugs from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly leading. Large drugmakers like Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Bayer are profitable and innovative, focusing on areas like weight loss, inflammation, and Alzheimer’s. Despite headwinds such as pipeline setbacks and macroeconomic uncertainty, investment in drug/biotech stocks has surged. The Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry ranks in the top 19% of Zacks industries, outperforming the Zacks Medical Sector but slightly underperforming the S&P 500.

Pfizer's stock has declined 30% over three years due to reduced vaccine demand and upcoming patent expirations, trading at 10 times forward earnings estimates. Despite challenges, Pfizer plans to offset revenue losses with new product launches and strategic acquisitions, aiming for $20 billion in revenue by 2030. The company's oncology business, bolstered by the Seagen acquisition, targets eight blockbuster drugs by 2030. Pfizer's cost-saving measures and revenue guidance raise suggest it's a buying opportunity for patient investors.

The drug and biotech sector has outperformed the broader market, driven by new drug launches, pipeline successes, and increased M&A activity. Eli Lilly's obesity drugs have been particularly successful. Despite headwinds like pipeline setbacks and economic uncertainty, the sector has seen a surge in investments. Five large drugmakers—Pfizer, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Bayer, and Sanofi—are recommended for portfolio growth, with strong financials and robust pipelines.

Large drug-maker stocks surged, driven by FDA approvals and pipeline innovations. Eli Lilly, Roche, Novartis, and Pfizer are top picks for long-term gains. Eli Lilly's tirzepatide drugs and Novo Nordisk's semaglutide drugs are top sellers. Despite M&A scrutiny, activities remained strong. Large drug-makers offer robust revenue streams and profitability.