Novo Nordisk Announces Major Board Restructuring Amidst Market Competition and Governance Dispute
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.
Sanofi Expands Budapest Service Center, Creating 500 New High-Value Jobs
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.
Novo Nordisk Acquires Rare Disease Drug Zaltenibart from Omeros in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal
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.
Sanofi Expands Budapest Service Center, Creating 500 New Jobs
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.
AstraZeneca Strikes Deal with White House to Lower US Drug Prices, Boost Domestic Investment
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.
Pharma Owner Arrested in India Over Contaminated Cough Syrup Linked to Child Deaths
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.
Saudi PIF-Led Consortium Acquires Electronic Arts in Historic $55 Billion Deal
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.
Trump Announces Landmark Pfizer Drug Deal and 'TrumpRx' Website
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.
US Caps Tariffs on Japanese Pharmaceutical Imports at 15%
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.
Health Minister Warken Assures Stable Medicine Supply for Upcoming Autumn and Winter
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.
Job Cuts Announced by Novo Nordisk Amidst Competition in Weight Loss Drug Market
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.
From Engineering Marvels to Global Supply Chain Hub
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 Narcolepsy Drug Shows Promise in Late-Stage Trials
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.
Chinese Companies Pivot from Compounded Weight-Loss Drugs to Generics
Chinese companies that previously supplied ingredients for compounded weight-loss drugs are shifting towards supplying generic drugmakers as regulations tighten and branded drug shortages ease. This shift is driven by the lucrative economics of the market and the expiration of key patents, though the explosive growth seen in the compounding market is unlikely to be replicated.
Weight-Loss Drug Mounjaro Linked to Severe Side Effects, Woman Claims
A woman who lost weight with Mounjaro is speaking out about the severe side effects, including gastritis and frequent hospitalizations, that she believes the medication caused. While the drug is known for gastrointestinal side effects, the woman's experience highlights the potential for serious complications and the importance of consulting a doctor.
The Impact of President Trump's Proposed Pharmaceutical Tariffs on Drug Production and Availability
President Trump's proposed tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals may significantly affect the availability and pricing of commonly used medications in the U.S. The complex global supply chain, where active ingredients are often produced in various countries, highlights potential vulnerabilities, especially concerning antibiotics and generic drugs.
Serena Williams Opens Up About Weight Loss Journey with GLP-1 Drugs
Serena Williams has revealed her use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, sharing her experience of weight loss and improved well-being after struggling with her body's response to traditional methods. While acknowledging the benefits, she also addressed the stigma surrounding these medications, highlighting the importance of self-care and the potential risks involved.
Fentanyl Contamination in Argentina Leads to Rising Death Toll
A total of 96 individuals in Argentina may have died due to bacterial contamination in medical-use fentanyl, with an official count currently at 87 and additional deaths under investigation. Authorities are tracing the source of the contaminated drug to HLB Pharma, which has denied direct responsibility for the outbreak.
China Prepares for 11th Round of Centralized Drug Procurement Program
China is gearing up for its 11th centralized bulk-buy program, with medical institutions instructed to submit procurement volumes for 55 types of medicines. The program allows institutions to specify brands and requires them to report annual demand that reflects at least 80% of their average usage while accommodating flexibility for essential and pediatric drugs.
European Pharmaceutical Companies Face Uncertainty Amidst Trump's Tariff Threats
President Trump's plan to impose substantial tariffs on European pharmaceutical imports has triggered concerns among European drug companies and investors, leading to a decline in share prices. Several companies are responding by planning significant investments in US drug manufacturing to avoid the tariffs.
