Aug 10, 2026
Otsuka announced two-year Phase 3 VISIONARY trial results showing VOYXACT (sibeprenlimab-szsi) stabilized kidney function decline in IgA nephropathy patients, with annual eGFR slope of +0.3 versus -4.2 for placebo. Separately, BioNTech lowered its 2026 revenue guidance by €400 million to €1.6-1.9 billion due to declining COVID-19 vaccine demand.
Novo Nordisk reported quarterly results that beat expectations and raised guidance, but shares fell as investors remained concerned about the company's path to sustainable growth amid increasing competition in the obesity drug market.
Merck's anti-TL1A antibody from its 2023 Prometheus Biosciences acquisition delivered positive mid-stage results in hidradenitis suppurativa but failed to meet endpoints in a rare lung disease trial. The company disclosed the mixed Phase 2 results alongside its second-quarter earnings.
Merck beat second-quarter estimates and boosted its 2026 sales forecast after strong demand for newer drugs like Winrevair helped drive revenues higher, though the company cut profit guidance due to deal-related charges.
AstraZeneca is reportedly in discussions with Bristol Myers Squibb regarding a potential $400 billion merger, which would create one of the largest pharmaceutical companies globally and reshape the cancer treatment industry.
GSK discontinued development of an experimental chronic cough treatment after it failed to meet key goals in two late-stage clinical trials, with the company stating it was unlikely to transform patient care. Shares fell about 4%.
The European Medicines Agency recommended withdrawing marketing authorization for Amgen's rare autoimmune disease drug Tavneos, citing allegedly incorrect and misleading data used in the approval process and lack of benefits outweighing risks.
CVS Health announced it will add Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug Zepbound back to some of its drug lists as an additional preferred option and begin coverage for the drugmaker's newly approved obesity pill, Forza.
New ethics disclosures reveal President Trump purchased stock in Eli Lilly and an injectable device manufacturer while his health agencies implemented policies benefiting these companies' obesity drug products.
Cytokinetics announced its heart disease drug Myqorzo, already approved in one indication, succeeded in meeting twin efficacy goals in a Phase 3 trial for genetic heart disease, potentially boosting future sales.
Americans are expected to spend more than $1 trillion on prescription drugs in 2026, according to a new report from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The surge is largely attributed to the growing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.