The United States and the United Kingdom have agreed to eliminate tariffs on pharmaceutical products, with the UK committing to a 25% increase in the net price paid for new medicines. This landmark deal, part of the broader UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, aims to enhance access to innovative therapies, strengthen supply chains, and boost investment in the life sciences sector for both nations.
International sanctions, reimposed on Iran following the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, have led to critical shortages of life-saving medications. Despite humanitarian exemptions, banking restrictions and currency depreciation severely hinder the import of essential drugs and raw materials, impacting vulnerable patients across the country.
UK Science Minister Patrick Vallance has confirmed that officials are actively working to resolve a significant drug pricing dispute with major pharmaceutical companies. The row, centered on the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access, and Growth (VPAG), has led to several firms withdrawing or pausing substantial investments in the UK, impacting jobs, research, and patient access to new medicines.
Dr. Mikael Dolsten, formerly Pfizer's Head of R&D, withdrew his candidacy for Novo Nordisk's Board of Directors on November 13, 2025, citing personal reasons. His withdrawal occurred just before an Extraordinary General Meeting where a significant board overhaul was approved.
German radiopharmaceutical company ITM has received U.S. FDA Fast Track designation for its diagnostic agent, ITM-94, for the detection of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. This designation aims to expedite the development and review of the gallium-68-radiolabeled PET imaging agent, which targets carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) and addresses a high unmet medical need.
Pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has completed the layoff process for all 5,000 Denmark-based employees, a move confirmed by CEO Maziar Mike Doustdar. This action is part of a broader global restructuring affecting 9,000 jobs, aimed at streamlining operations and addressing increasing market competition.
A coalition of Italian health and cancer organizations has launched a campaign to increase the price of a packet of cigarettes by €5. The initiative aims to deter smoking and generate an estimated €12-13.8 billion annually for Italy's national healthcare system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). The proposal seeks 50,000 signatures for parliamentary debate.
Denmark's pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, has announced a significant board restructuring, with more than half of its 12 members, including the chair, set to be replaced. The move follows a governance dispute with its majority shareholder, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and comes amidst intensifying competition in the anti-obesity treatment market. An Extraordinary General Meeting is scheduled for November 14, 2025, to formalize the changes.
French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has expanded its Budapest service center, adding 500 new high-value-added jobs and doubling its facility size to 15,000 sqm. The center now employs 2,200 professionals, enhancing Hungary's role in clinical trials, data analysis, and process automation.
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has agreed to acquire the rare disease drug zaltenibart from Omeros Corporation for an upfront payment of $340 million, with the total deal potentially reaching up to $2.1 billion (approximately 13.5 billion DKK). The acquisition, announced on October 15, 2025, aims to bolster Novo Nordisk's rare disease portfolio, particularly in blood and kidney disorders.
French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has expanded its Global Business Services center in Budapest, Hungary, adding 500 new jobs. The expansion doubles the facility's size and brings the total workforce to 2,200, enhancing its role in clinical trials, data analysis, and process automation, alongside existing financial and HR services.
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has reached an agreement with the White House to offer discounted drug prices to US patients, including most-favored-nation pricing for Medicaid and up to 80% off for chronic disease patients via TrumpRx. The deal, announced October 10, 2025, also includes a $50 billion investment in US manufacturing and R&D, and tariff relief.
G. Ranganathan, owner of Sresan Pharma, has been arrested in Chennai, India, in connection with the deaths of at least 21 children. The deaths are linked to the company's 'Coldrif' cough syrup, found to be contaminated with toxic diethylene glycol. The incident has raised serious concerns about drug quality control.
A consortium spearheaded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire video game giant Electronic Arts (EA) for approximately $55 billion. This all-cash transaction, also involving Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, will take EA private and marks the largest leveraged buyout in history, signaling Saudi Arabia's deepening commitment to the global gaming industry.
President Donald Trump announced a deal with Pfizer to significantly reduce drug prices for Americans, implement 'most-favored-nation' pricing for Medicaid, and commit $70 billion to U.S. manufacturing. The initiative includes the launch of 'TrumpRx,' a direct-to-consumer website for discounted prescription drugs.
The United States has confirmed that tariffs on pharmaceutical imports from Japan will be capped at 15%. This decision, announced by a White House official, aligns Japan's treatment with that of other key trading partners like the European Union, despite a broader US announcement of 100% tariffs on certain pharmaceutical products.
German Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) has affirmed a stable medicine supply for the upcoming autumn and winter season. This assurance comes amidst ongoing concerns over drug shortages, with over 500 medications currently difficult to obtain, particularly children's antibiotics and asthma treatments.
Novo Nordisk has announced the reduction of 9,000 jobs, representing 11% of its workforce, due to increased competition in the obesity medication market, particularly impacting its products Wegovy and Ozempic. The job cuts aim to save $1.25 billion, which will be reinvested into diabetes and obesity-related research.
China's industry minister showcased the nation's innovation surge, highlighting engineering feats and advancements in molecular science, particularly in pharmaceuticals. This progress is fueled by significant R&D investment, complete supply chains, and a shift towards becoming a global supply chain hub, attracting international recognition and partnerships.
Takeda's experimental narcolepsy drug, oveporexton, showed significant improvements in late-stage trials, potentially becoming the first treatment to target the root cause of the disorder. Patients experienced increased alertness, fewer cataplexy episodes, and improved quality of life, though some reported side effects like insomnia and urinary issues.
