Catch up on all the biggest news to hit the pharmaceutical industry over the last month, spanning from new acquisitions, approvals, insights on the NHS and more
Words by Jade Williams
1 October
Genentech invests $850m to acquire Regor Pharmaceuticals’ portfolio of next-generation CDK inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer. This deal enables Genentech to spearhead the global development and commercialisation of these promising therapies, along with the clinical development and manufacturing. Regor, a Chinese-American biotech, will continue to manage the two ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials until their completion. The acquisition is expected to be finalised by Q4 2024.
3 October
Gilead Sciences announces a new licensing agreement with six generic drug manufacturers, set to boost HIV prevention in high-prevalence, resource-limited countries. This agreement authorises the production and distribution of Gilead’s injectable PrEP drug, lenacapavir, royalty-free. Targeting 120 countries, the initiative aims to expand rapid access to this crucial HIV prevention option, aligning with Gilead’s commitment to making PrEP widely accessible and sustainable worldwide.
8 October
The Lord Darzi report warns that the NHS is in “critical condition”, strained by staff shortages, underfunding and long waits. Years of flat funding and limited resources are largely to blame, but a shift toward a “digital NHS” could help relieve pressure by empowering patients to manage their care through tech like the NHS app. For the pharmaceutical industry, however, this situation presents an opportunity: to step in as a partner in healthcare innovation and support the NHS at a turbulent time.
15 October
To tackle the rise in long-term sickness, the British government considers Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug, tirzepatide, as a possible aid to help people return to work. Obesity-related illnesses are increasingly contributing to absenteeism and straining the NHS, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting is hopeful about the drug’s impact on these issues: “For many people, these weight-loss jabs will be life-changing, help them get back to work and ease the demands on our NHS.” The NHS plans to provide tirzepatide to nearly 250,000 people over the next three years.
16 October
Boehringer Ingelheim partners with the WHO Foundation to improve access to quality healthcare, focusing on mental health services for vulnerable groups across the Americas. Backed by $5m in funding from pharma company, the partnership will support evidence-based mental health interventions and work to ensure equitable healthcare access in areas where suicide risk is elevated due to lacking healthcare resources.
21 October
Ipsos releases a trust poll indicating that trust in the pharmaceutical industry among HCPs has increased by 8% since 2020, with 38% of doctors and nurses now expressing the highest level of trust. This positions the pharmaceutical sector as one of the most trusted, behind only health charities and research universities. Jill Pearcy, Reputation Director, ABPI, stated: “The work our industry is doing to support patients and the NHS is having a positive impact on the way our industry is seen by healthcare professionals.”
25 October
By a vote of 14-1, a CDC advisory panel supports an expanded recommendation for Pfizer and Merck’s pneumococcal vaccines for all adults aged 50 and older, as well as those aged 19 to 49 with certain risk factors. Luis Jodar, Chief Medical Affairs Officer for Global Vaccines and Antivirals, Pfizer, described the move as an “important milestone”, while Merck noted the potential for improved access and increased vaccination rates.
30 October
Following the first Labour Budget in 14 years, the APBI voices its support for the UK government’s initiatives to strengthen the UK’s life sciences sector. Prioritising stability, investment and long-term growth, the Budget includes key measures such as increased NHS funding, a £520m life sciences innovation manufacturing fund and expanded investments in research and development, with additional support directed to the National Institute for Health Research.
