The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Monday bird flu risk to the public remains low even as it asked the state public health officials to be prepared to respond.

Britain’s competition watchdog said Theramex’s purchase of European rights to two of Viatris’ women’s healthcare products ranges could lead to higher prices and fewer options for hormone replacement therapies (HRT).

The early-stage study showed that Viking Therapeutics’ oral obesity candidate VK2735, a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, elicited a 3.3% reduction in mean body weight. The company plans to start a Phase II trial.

Novo Nordisk’s investment of more than half a billion dollars is meant to expand its production capabilities in China and help it meet the global drug demand.

FDA

The drug was approved under the accelerated approval pathway, which allows for earlier approval of drugs that treat serious conditions and address an unmet medical need, based on a surrogate or intermediate clinical endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. 

FDA

Yesterday the agency ranted accelerated approval to BeiGene’s BTK inhibitor Brukinsa (zanubrutinib), when used in combination with Genentech’s Gazyva (obinutuzumab), to treat patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma who have undergone at least two lines of systemic therapy.

Novavax reported fourth-quarter 2023 revenue and earnings on Wednesday that missed Wall Street expectations, causing the company’s stock price to fall more than 25% in morning trading. 

Maria Fontanazza

It was last year’s hottest topic, and this year it is sure to be at the top of the list. It dominates conversations, and it sure does dominate my inbox. Artificial intelligence.

Agenda 2024

By nearly unanimous consent artificial intelligence reached an inflection point for pharma marketers in 2023. The question of how best to take advantage of this new tool to support brands and help patients, though, remains to be seen.

Excitement is mounting across the industry going into 2024 about data and digital innovations’ potential for improving engagement among consumers, patients, and caregivers. That excitement is evident in conversations with eight industry leaders who are embracing digital to advance personalization, support health equity, and reach patients on new channels.