Eli Lilly and Co

Global Injectable Cytotoxic Drugs Market valued at USD 18.3 Billion in 2023, driven by rising cancer prevalence, advanced drug delivery systems, and targeted therapies. North America leads in market value, with alkylating drugs as the largest segment.

Roche narrows focus to 11 disease areas, including obesity, aiming to fast track weight-loss drug market entry and deliver 20 transformative medicines by 2030. The company plans to prioritize neurology, oncology, and cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases, with stable core operating profit margins until 2027. Roche aims to increase R&D productivity and success rates in late-stage trials.

Eli Lilly's stock has significantly appreciated due to the success of its GLP-1 receptor agonists, Mounjaro and Zepbound. The company's robust financial performance, with a market capitalization of $912.43 billion, reflects strong earnings growth projections. Eli Lilly's strong market position in obesity and diabetes treatments, driven by Mounjaro and Zepbound, positions it as a key player in the GLP-1 market. The company faces competition and risks related to reliance on key products, but its expansion of manufacturing capabilities and investment in R&D suggest future growth prospects.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. announces approval for a human pilot study investigating DehydraTECH-processed tirzepatide in an oral format, with recruitment starting soon and first dosing expected in late October. The study will compare oral and injected doses over 7 days, evaluating tolerability, PK, and blood sugar control, using commercially available Zepbound® injectable formulation. Lexaria anticipates meaningful absorption rates of tirzepatide in a swallowed oral format, currently only available via injection.

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) lacks approved therapies, but olezarsen and plozasiran show promise in phase 3 trials. Olezarsen, an antisense oligonucleotide, and plozasiran, a small interfering RNA, both demonstrated significant triglyceride reduction and reduced pancreatitis risk in FCS patients.

U.S. shortages of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro have led to competition between drugmakers and compounded versions, with telehealth companies like Hims & Hers and Noom offering cheaper alternatives. Pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have sued competitors for selling 'copycat' drugs, while federal agencies express concern over adverse events from compounded semaglutide. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and come from 503B facilities, with telehealth companies sourcing from FDA-regulated manufacturers. Doctors prefer FDA-approved versions due to safety concerns.

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) is advancing VK2735, an obesity treatment, to phase 3 trials, with an FDA meeting expected by year-end. The weight loss drug market is booming, with global sales reaching $24 billion in 2022, projected to hit $150 billion by the 2030s. Viking is also developing an oral form of VK2735 and other treatments for liver disease and a rare neurodegenerative condition. The stock is considered a strong buy.

The FTC sued CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx for anticompetitive rebating practices related to insulin, alleging these PBMs inflate drug prices and restrict patient access. The lawsuit aims to address insulin affordability beyond Medicare patients. Legal experts suggest the FTC's success depends on maintaining momentum, given public support for lowering medication costs. The complaint also implicates drug manufacturers in price inflation and calls for reforms to PBM practices.