All articles tagged with #pharma industry
Trump outlined a phased tariff plan on imported generic drugs: zero tariffs for two years starting Aug 1, 2026, then a 100% levy in Aug 2028 and 200% a year later, while tariffs on patented drugs stay the same. The move aims to force generic manufacturers to relocate production to the U.S. as part of a broader push to lower drug prices and reshape supply chains, amid ongoing dynamics with India and China in pharma.
Merck is splitting its human health business into two divisions—a dedicated oncology unit to oversee cancer therapies (including Keytruda) and a separate specialty pharma and infectious diseases unit for non-cancer products and vaccines—part of a strategy to sharpen growth after Keytruda's looming patent cliff. The company cites expectations of continued leadership in oncology and potential multi-brand growth, highlighting leadership changes: Jannie Oosthuizen will run the oncology and international unit, while Brian Foard heads the new specialty/pharma/infectious diseases unit, with Chirfi Guindo in a policy/communications role. Merck aims to sustain long-term oncology leadership and push growth through its pipeline, with executives signaling potential of more than $70B in annual revenue mid-decade.
Merck is halting its research operations in the UK and abandoning a new London research center due to frustrations with the UK's medicine pricing and support policies, highlighting concerns from the pharma industry about the country's attractiveness for research investment.
The rise of dengue in Europe poses a public health threat but also presents a market opportunity for dengue vaccines and treatments. However, experts warn that this could exacerbate the access gap for low- and middle-income countries, as pharmaceutical companies may develop tools that are less effective in high-burden countries or wealthy nations may hoard medicines and vaccines. Climate change and migration have allowed mosquitoes that transmit dengue to establish themselves in Europe. While increased investment in neglected diseases is promising, there is concern that the products developed may not be globally relevant or prioritize the needs of countries where dengue is endemic. The mistakes made during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the potential challenges in ensuring accessibility and affordability of these tools.
CVS is shutting down its clinical trials unit, which was launched in May 2021 to support clinical trials for experimental COVID-19 vaccines and treatments during the pandemic. The move is aimed at focusing on the company's core business, and a full exit is expected by December 31, 2024. CVS confirmed the decision, stating that it continually evaluates its portfolio of assets to ensure they are aligned with its long-term strategic priorities.