Eli Lilly & Co.

A federal court ruled against Johnson & Johnson's proposal to shift from upfront drug discounts to a rebate model in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to sell outpatient drugs at reduced prices to healthcare providers serving low-income and rural populations.

Phase 3 trial demonstrates pirtobrutinib's superior progression-free survival compared to idelalisib or bendamustine plus rituximab in previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.

Novo Nordisk has launched Wegovy in China, with the 0.25 mg starter dose priced at 1,400 yuan ($193.31) per month.

The European Medicines Agency's advisory panel has reversed its initial negative decision and now supports the use of Eisai's Leqembi for treating Alzheimer's disease.

• Viking Therapeutics' obesity pill demonstrated an average of 6.8% body weight loss over 28 days in early-stage trials, showing promising potential in weight management. • AstraZeneca's weight-loss pill showed a 5.8% weight reduction in diabetic patients, indicating efficacy in a specific population with differential outcomes. • The obesity drug market is projected to reach $130 billion by the end of the decade, intensifying competition among pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. • Pharmaceutical companies are focusing on developing convenient oral medications with minimal side effects to capture a significant share of the expanding obesity treatment market.

• Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 oral therapy demonstrated a 3.3% placebo-adjusted weight loss after 28 days at a 40mg dose in Phase 1 trials. • The oral pill was well-tolerated, with no reports of vomiting or diarrhea, fueling optimism for higher doses and Phase 2 trials. • Analysts anticipate data supporting progression to Phase 2 trials for both oral and injectable versions, highlighting Viking's leading position in peptide incretins. • Scalability remains a key question, with potential implications for Viking as a takeover target amid the race for effective oral weight-loss treatments.

Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug has received regulatory approval for launch in Hong Kong, marking a significant step in expanding its availability.

Eli Lilly's Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is set to launch in Hong Kong by the end of the year, approved for both long-term weight management and type 2 diabetes treatment.