NOVARTIS

AbbVie and Novartis are recommended as 'forever' dividend stocks, with AbbVie overcoming Humira's patent loss and Novartis focusing on innovative medicines post-spinoff, both offering strong dividend yields.

The global cancer gene therapy market is projected to grow from USD 1,822.2 million in 2024 to USD 3,142.2 million by 2034, driven by increased R&D funding, rising cancer prevalence, and favorable government regulations. Oncolytic virotherapy, a key segment, generated USD 850.7 million in 2023. The market is shifting towards personalized, targeted therapies, reducing side effects and improving outcomes.

The nanomedicine market was valued at USD 223.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 634.2 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 12.2%. This growth is driven by increased demand for advanced drug delivery systems and rising chronic disease incidence. North America leads the market, while Asia-Pacific is expected to grow the fastest.

Calluna Pharma appoints Mark Gaffney as CEO and Mark Altmeyer as Chair of the Board. Gaffney brings 20+ years of biotech experience, previously at Oxular and Vedere Bio. Altmeyer, with extensive pharma and biotech leadership, currently chairs AM-Pharma and serves on several boards. Calluna's lead candidate, CAL101, is on track to complete Phase 1 this year.

Havas Lynx launches global healthcare influencer offering, blending creative and media expertise for effective omnichannel strategies. Utilizing over 50 influencers across 14 therapy areas, the service includes content creation and podcast hosting. Influencer marketing is seen as a powerful tool for health outcomes, with 98% of HCPs influenced by earned media. Havas Lynx offers tailored influencer marketing solutions for healthcare brands, with successful campaigns for Arena, Novartis, and Teva. A free training session on influencer marketing in healthcare is available.

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.

New SMA best practice recommendations emphasize efficient coordination between caregivers, primary care practitioners, and referral centers for rapid diagnosis and early treatment initiation. Differences in treatment approval processes between the US and Spain highlight the need for collaboration between healthcare providers and families to optimize SMA patient outcomes.

FDA approves Roche's Itovebi (inavolisib) in combo with Pfizer's Ibrance and AstraZeneca's Faslodex for HR+/HER2- breast cancer. Itovebi, a PI3K inhibitor, outperformed placebo in Phase III INAVO120 trial with 15 months PFS vs 7.3 months. Competitor Novartis's Piqray expected to see lower sales by 2030. Common Grade 3/4 adverse effects include haematological abnormalities and hyperglycaemia.

FDA approves Genentech's Itovebi (inavolisib) for first-line breast cancer treatment, combining it with Pfizer's palbociclib and Astrazeneca's Faslodex for endocrine-resistant, PIK3CA-mutated, HR-positive, HER2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

The FDA approved Roche’s Itovebi, a PIK3CA-mutated HR-positive HER2-negative breast cancer treatment, ahead of schedule. Itovebi, in combination with Pfizer’s Ibrance and AstraZeneca’s Faslodex, showed a 57% reduction in disease progression risk in the INAVO120 study. Roche anticipates Itovebi’s peak sales at $2.3 billion, challenging Novartis’ Piqray.