Eli Lilly and Co

Innovent Biologics presented Phase III trial data on mazdutide, showing it superior to Eli Lilly's Trulicity in diabetes management and significant weight reduction in obese patients at EASD. Mazdutide, a dual GLP-1 and GCGR agonist, demonstrated improvements in cardiovascular and kidney functions, and liver fat content reduction.

Halozyme announces FDA approval for Tecentriq Hybreza™, a subcutaneous anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy using ENHANZE® technology, reducing injection time to 7 minutes from 30-60 minutes for IV infusion, available for adult indications of IV Tecentriq®.

FDA approves Ebglyss (lebrikizumab-lbkz), a targeted IL-13 inhibitor, for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children 12+ years old, not well controlled by topical therapies. Ebglyss, dosed monthly after initial treatment, offers significant skin clearance and itch relief, with common side effects including eye and eyelid inflammation, injection site reactions, and shingles.

Ebglyss, a new first-line biologic treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, offers significant skin clearance within four weeks and itch relief in two weeks. It provides long-lasting efficacy through monthly maintenance doses, approved by the FDA for adults and children 12 years and older who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg) and have inadequate response to topical therapies.

Clinical trials for Alzheimer's drugs, like Eli Lilly's Kisunla and Eisai's Leqembi, often lack diversity, excluding racial minorities, ApoE4 homozygotes, and patients with comorbidities. This underrepresentation hampers the validation of eligibility criteria in diverse populations, necessitating new cutoffs. Challenges include socioeconomic barriers and inadequate outreach, impacting trial enrollment and patient care.

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly face competition from 16 new obesity drugs expected to launch by 2029, driving a $70 billion GLP-1 market by 2031. Price declines may accelerate over 10% annually by 2027. Rivals include Roche, Amgen, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Boehringer, Viking Therapeutics, and Structure Therapeutics. The report predicts better efficacy, convenience, and tolerability for upcoming drugs.

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.

FDA approves Johnson & Johnson's Tremfya for ulcerative colitis, adding to its existing approvals for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Tremfya's potential to generate $5B in revenue is significant, especially as J&J's Stelara faces market exclusivity loss and price cuts. Competitors like AbbVie and Eli Lilly also have strong IBD treatments, intensifying the market competition.

The London Biotechnology Show (18-19 June 2025) is set to surpass its debut success with a 4000 sqm floor plan, featuring 70+ exhibitors and 60+ speakers from leading companies like Google, Microsoft, and Novo Nordisk. Highlights include the Hosted Buyer Programme and a comprehensive conference on biotechnology trends, including gene editing and regenerative medicine.

Healthcare costs are projected to rise 8-9% next year, driven by increased demand for outpatient care and unprecedented growth in pharmacy costs, particularly GLP-1 diabetes and weight loss drugs. Specialty drugs, though used by less than 2% of the population, account for 51% of drug benefit costs. The financial impact of GLP-1s on manufacturers is significant, with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly seeing substantial market capitalization growth. Demand for GLP-1s exceeds supply, leading to shortages and reliance on compounding pharmacies. High-cost specialty drugs for conditions like HIV and cancer are expected to grow to $1.5 trillion by 2033. Affordability concerns loom, with potential solutions including Medicare negotiation and increased competition among manufacturers.