The news: Novo Nordisk is partnering with AI drug discovery company Deep Apple Therapeutics to discover and develop new cardiometabolic drugs, including for obesity. The takeaway: Novo is not the biggest loser in the GLP-1 weight loss category, but it’s trailing Lilly in drug effectiveness, market value, and more importantly public perception. It’s critical for Novo to come up with new and better weight loss drugs—hence the deal with Deep Apple—but also polish its brand with consumers. A new CEO and new marketing direction could garner Novo some much-needed cachet.
The news: Eli Lilly said it won’t partner with telehealth companies that sell compounded weight loss drugs. Our take: Lilly’s demand may signal that it’s in a better position in the weight loss drug market than Novo to play hardball with industry partners such as Hims & Hers.
The news: BioNTech is buying cancer vaccine researcher and one-time COVID-19 vaccine rival CureVac in a $1.25 billion all-stock deal. The takeaway: The new HHS is taking a less-than-positive view on mainstream vaccines and mRNA technology, but it’s also signaled strong interest in personalized medicines and novel therapies. That’s good news for BioNTech, and could be a sign to other pharmas and biotechs that precision and specialty drugs are poised for fast tracking, while vaccines caught up in public and political controversy will be overscrutinized and delayed to market.
The news: GoodRx is rolling out a subscription service for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment. Our take: GoodRx is in a great position to compete with the top D2C telehealth players since consumers are already on the site or app searching for prescription drug discounts—it has over 6 million active monthly consumers who use a coupon code. GoodRx might also be more trusted than pure-play telehealth companies in the eyes of consumers since its services help people save money on their healthcare.
The news: TikTok tweens and teens who make popular “Get ready with me” skincare routine videos may be harming their skin. The takeaway: Amid the closer social media scrutiny, skincare health brands should be clear about products that are not made for young skin. Social media teams need to be aware and proactive when interacting with tween and teen content creators.
The news: Avidity Biosciences struck a deal with the FDA for accelerated approval of a treatment for a rare type of muscular dystrophy. Our take: The Avidity announcement and federal health agency enthusiasm are positive signs for biotech and pharma companies looking for accelerated approval for rare disease candidates. Federal authorities and drugmakers will need to balance speed-to-market with rigorous science to ensure physician and consumer confidence.
The news: Digital health startup Virta Health is guaranteeing that its employer and health plan customers won’t increase spending on GLP-1 drugs for their members. Our take: Virta’s financial guarantee will likely catch the attention of employers and insurers, but it could quickly backfire from a financial perspective if it’s unable to curb GLP-1 prescription volume.
The news: US pharma imports returned to normal in April after a March stockpiling of drugs and medical products spurred by tariff threats from the Trump administration. The takeaway: Fluctuating tariff threats from the Trump administration means ongoing uncertainty for drugmakers. If the indecision lags for more than a few months, expect some pharma product stockpiling to return.
The news: Moderna has agreed to conduct a true placebo-controlled trial of its new COVID-19 vaccine, according to a post on X this week from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Our take: It’s difficult for vaccine makers to keep up with shifting requirements for getting shots approved, and for which groups of people. Companies may soon have to weigh pouring billions more into vaccine R&D against expanding or growing product offerings to other drug markets.
FarmboxRx acquired by wellness company Pyx Health: Food-as-medicine companies are projected to prosper under an administration that touts lifestyle changes over prescription drugs—but Medicaid cuts could thwart growth.
Bristol Myers Squibb partners with BioNTech on new cancer drug: It’s the latest in a new class of cancer treatment drawing billions in dealmaking, which promises hope for cancer patients—but also likely higher drug prices.
Best Buy’s health business suffers a major setback: It may be tough for Best Buy to justify its investments in home healthcare without more Trump admin support to reimburse for hospital-at-home initiatives.
Potential tariffs, drug pricing order may not be too disruptive to pharma: However, the administration’s executive orders, proposals, and threats can’t be taken lightly. Drug companies must stay nimble with plans in place for different outcomes.
Trump administration drops Moderna mRNA pandemic flu research: This adds to increasing doubt around the validity of mRNA vaccines, and will likely cause uncertainty for drugmakers looking to federal agencies for vaccine guidance.
General Medicine debuts as a platform where consumers can shop for medical care: While the healthcare marketplace concept isn’t new, the startup could have an upper hand by allowing people to see prices for medical care based on their unique health insurance details.
Medtronic spins out diabetes business into D2C company: Amid growing diabetes diagnoses, Medtronic is doubling down on its focus with a device company dedicated to helping consumers with diabetes.
Pharma companies are facing drug pricing and tax revenue pressure from Trump and Congress: As Trump rolls out new drug pricing executive orders, companion bills in Congress are amplifying pressure on the industry, driving companies closer to decide whether to negotiate or push back in court.
Drug developers relocate clinical trials amid Trump’s NIH research and funding cuts: The final damage to research pipelines is still to be determined, but biotech and pharma companies are already reacting, and more may consider doing so given the uncertainty.
Omada Health is the latest prominent digital health player to go public in 2025: While healthcare companies are weathering the uncertain economic environment, Omada and Hinge must prove their programs for chronic condition management can be worthwhile long-term investments.
At-home injectable drugs have been getting more approvals: Amneal Pharmaceuticals is the latest to gain approval for its migraine treatment. Pharma companies can help spur uptake for at-home injectables like it with more education and support.