Drug price control
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Pfizer tops estimates, raises profit guidance even as sales fall
CNBC· 2025-11-04 11:56
Core Insights - Pfizer reported third-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded estimates, raising its full-year profit guidance due to cost-cutting measures offsetting declining sales [1] - The company became the first drugmaker to agree to sell medications at lower prices under a deal with President Trump, linking U.S. drug prices to those abroad [1] - Pfizer plans to invest $70 billion in U.S. manufacturing and research facilities as part of a three-year grace period to avoid pharmaceutical-specific tariffs [2] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were reported at 87 cents, surpassing the expected 63 cents [4] - Revenue for the quarter was $16.65 billion, slightly above the expected $16.58 billion [4] Competitive Landscape - Pfizer is engaged in a bidding war with Novo Nordisk for the acquisition of obesity biotech Metsera, filing a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk for alleged anticompetitive practices [3]
Donald Trump's Pfizer deal could change how governments tackle medicine prices
MINT· 2025-10-02 00:30
Core Points - Pfizer Inc. has agreed to invest $70 billion in the US, sell drugs to Medicaid at the lowest prices offered in other developed countries, and participate in a government-run platform called TrumpRx, aimed at providing discounted medicines to citizens [1][4] - The US government is employing coercive measures to control drug prices, contrasting with other countries that utilize structured regulatory mechanisms [2][9] - The deal allows the Trump administration to portray Democrats as obstructing efforts to lower drug prices for low-income populations [4][5] Industry Overview - The US healthcare system relies heavily on private insurance, with Medicaid and Medicare being significant buyers of pharmaceuticals [3] - Drug prices in the US are notably higher than in other wealthy nations due to a decentralized healthcare system and opaque pricing agreements [6][7] - The pharmaceutical industry has successfully argued that high prices are essential for funding research and innovation, although this remains a contentious issue [8] Company Insights - Pfizer's agreement to invest in the US may allow it to raise prices in Europe, potentially offsetting any losses from lower prices in the US [10] - The company may limit the range of drugs sold at discounted prices, which could lead to price increases for other medications [11] - Pfizer's investment is seen as a strategic move to mask its research spending as a concession to the Trump administration [12][14]
AMGN Down 10% in 3 Months: How to Play the Stock as Tariff Woes Linger
ZACKS· 2025-05-21 13:50
Core Viewpoint - Amgen's stock has faced a decline of 10.4% over the past three months, largely attributed to macroeconomic uncertainties and trade tensions [1][2]. Group 1: Market Environment - The stock market has experienced volatility due to President Trump's tariffs and China's retaliatory measures, although a recent deal has eased tensions temporarily [2]. - The uncertainty surrounding tariffs continues to impact economic growth, despite pharmaceuticals being exempt from initial tariffs [3]. Group 2: Company Performance - Amgen's revenues grew by 9% year over year in Q1 2025, driven by increased patient demand for innovative medicines [4]. - The company is facing declining revenues from oncology biosimilars and established products like Enbrel, with competitive pressures affecting sales [5]. - Key revenue drivers include older medicines like Prolia and Repatha, as well as new drugs such as Tavneos and Tezspire, alongside rare disease drugs from the acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics [5]. Group 3: Drug Pipeline and Approvals - Amgen is evaluating several drugs for additional indications, which could enhance revenue growth, with Uplizna recently approved for IgG4-related disease [6][7]. - The company has invested significantly in M&A to diversify its pipeline, including the development of MariTide, a novel obesity treatment [8][10]. - Clinical studies for MariTide have shown promising results, and further studies are ongoing [9][10]. Group 4: Biosimilars and Market Strategy - Amgen launched several new biosimilars in 2025, generating substantial sales, including Wezlana and Pavblu, which contributed to a 35% year-over-year increase in biosimilar sales [13][15]. - The company is actively pursuing additional biosimilar approvals to mitigate the impact of upcoming patent expirations for key drugs [15][16]. Group 5: Financial Outlook - Amgen's stock has outperformed the industry and S&P 500, with a year-to-date increase of 7.3% [18]. - The stock is reasonably valued, trading at a price/earnings ratio of 13.12, lower than the industry average [21]. - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have seen upward revisions, indicating positive market sentiment [24][26]. Group 6: Long-term Growth Potential - The company is expected to maintain long-term revenue growth driven by strong performance from key drugs and innovative medicines [27]. - Despite initial data from MariTide studies being below expectations, it holds potential as a significant product for Amgen [27].
UnitedHealth stock crashes to 4-year lows; Here's why
Finbold· 2025-05-13 13:48
Group 1 - UnitedHealth's stock experienced a significant decline of 10.17%, dropping from $378.75 to $340.25, marking its lowest price since early 2021 [1][7] - The downturn was exacerbated by the resignation of CEO Andrew Witty, who left for 'personal reasons,' and the company's decision to withdraw its 2025 growth forecast [4][5] - UnitedHealth admitted it does not expect to return to growth until 2026, citing higher-than-expected medical costs for new Medicare Advantage beneficiaries and an acceleration in care activity [4] Group 2 - The broader U.S. healthcare sector is under pressure, particularly following President Trump's announcement to significantly lower drug prices, which has affected market sentiment [6][8] - Although UnitedHealth is not directly impacted by the drug pricing plan, the overall sentiment in the healthcare sector remains negative, contributing to the stock's struggles [8]