Ozempic drugmaker Novo Nordisk was once Europe’s most valuable company - George Frey/Reuters Almost £150bn has been wiped off Ozempic drugmaker Novo Nordisk after a trial of its new weight-loss drug fell short of expectations. Shares in the Danish pharmaceutical giant plunged by 15pc on Monday, wiping around €169bn (£147bn) off its market value in just 90 minutes. Trading was briefly halted in Copenhagen as a result of the sharp sell-off, which drove shares to their lowest level since 2021. It came af ...

Core Insights - Merck is restructuring its human-health operations into two divisions: oncology and specialty, to better prepare for the impending patent loss of Keytruda in 2028, which currently accounts for nearly half of the company's sales [1][1][1] Group 1: Business Reorganization - The oncology division will focus on Keytruda and other cancer therapies, while the specialty division will manage non-cancer products, including established drugs like Gardasil and Januvia, as well as newer therapies like Winrevair [1][1] - Leadership changes include Brian Foard as president of the specialty division and Jannie Oosthuizen as head of the oncology division, both reporting to CEO Robert Davis [1][1][1] Group 2: Strategic Focus and Growth - Merck aims to launch over 20 new drugs or expanded uses for existing products in the coming years, including a new cholesterol pill expected to contribute significantly to revenue [1][1] - The company has estimated that its current pipeline could generate over $70 billion in potential commercial opportunities by the mid-2030s, more than double previous peak sales estimates for Keytruda [1][1][1] Group 3: Financial Performance and Market Position - Merck reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2025 results, surpassing analysts' forecasts for both revenue and earnings, which has bolstered investor confidence despite the challenges posed by Keytruda's patent expiration [1][1] - The company's phase III pipeline has nearly tripled since 2021, supported by internal research and acquisitions, including the notable purchase of Verona, which introduced a new therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [1][1][1]

Core Insights - Eli Lilly's Zepbound (tirzepatide) has received FDA approval for a label expansion to include a four-dose single-patient use KwikPen, enhancing patient access and convenience [1][2] - Zepbound is the most prescribed injectable obesity management medication, with patients losing an average of up to 50 pounds, demonstrating strong efficacy [1][2] - The introduction of the KwikPen aims to support patients in their weight management journey, with a self-pay price starting at $299 per month [1][2] Product Details - Zepbound is available in multiple doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg, with the 2.5 mg serving as a starting dose [1][2] - The recommended maintenance doses for weight reduction are 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg, administered subcutaneously once per week [1][2] - Zepbound is indicated for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related medical problems, and it is also FDA-approved for treating moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea [1][2] Clinical Efficacy - In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants taking Zepbound 15 mg lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight over 72 weeks, compared to 3.1% with placebo [1][2] - In the SURMOUNT-5 trial, participants on Zepbound experienced an average weight loss of 50 lbs (20.2%), while those on Wegovy lost an average of 33 lbs (13.7%) [1][2] Market Impact - In 2025, over 1 million patients accessed Lilly treatments through LillyDirect, which offers self-pay pricing at a 50% or greater discount compared to other GLP-1 medications [1][2] - One out of every three new patients starting a branded weight management medication was prescribed Zepbound self-pay vials in 2025, indicating strong market demand [1][2] Digital Health Platform - LillyDirect is a digital health platform that connects patients with chronic conditions to necessary care and prescribed medicines, facilitating prescription fulfillment through licensed healthcare providers [2][3]

GlucaPharm is developing GEP44, a novel, patented peptide (similar in function to Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, but with reduced risk of adverse events) discovered by researchers at Syracuse University.Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 23, 2026) - SureNano Science Ltd. (CSE: SURE) (OTCQB: SURNF) ("SureNano" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of GlucaPharm Inc. ("GlucaPharm"), a next-generation glucagon-like peptide ("GLP") pharmaceutical com ...

Core Insights - Eli Lilly has launched a new multi-dose injection pen for its obesity drug Zepbound, named KwikPen, which offers a month's worth of doses in a single device [1][3] - The price for the KwikPen starts at $299 per month for the lowest dose level, available through Lilly's direct-to-consumer platform, LillyDirect [1][3] - The introduction of the KwikPen aims to enhance patient convenience by reducing the number of devices needed for treatment, as it allows patients to take four weekly doses with one pen [2][3] Market Performance - Zepbound has seen significant demand since its market entry in late 2023, contributing to Eli Lilly's majority share in the weight-loss drug market, overtaking rival Novo Nordisk [3][4] - In the fourth quarter, Zepbound generated $4.2 billion in U.S. revenue, marking a 122% increase compared to the previous year [4] - The FDA has approved a label expansion for Zepbound to include the new multi-dose device, indicating regulatory support for the product's growth [4] Strategic Commitment - Eli Lilly emphasizes its commitment to supporting individuals with obesity through innovative treatment options like the Zepbound KwikPen, which is already trusted for other Lilly medications [5]

Vanda Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VNDA) shares are trading higher during the premarket session on Monday following the announcement of FDA approval for Bysanti (milsaperidone), a new treatment for bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia.FDA ApprovalThe FDA’s approval of Bysanti marks a significant milestone for Vanda, as it is positioned as a first-line therapy for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and for schizophrenia in adults.Bysanti is a new chemical entity (NCE ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q4 2025 increased 65% year-over-year to $196 million, and for the full year increased 66% to $639 million [4][11] - Net product sales of Auvelity for Q4 were $155.1 million, up 68% compared to the prior year, and total sales for Auvelity reached $507.1 million for the full year, representing a 74% year-over-year increase [12][15] - Net loss for Q4 was $28.6 million, or $0.56 per share, compared to a net loss of $74.9 million, or $1.54 per share for Q4 2024 [15] - Net loss for the full year of 2025 was $183.2 million, or $3.68 per share, compared to a net loss of $287.2 million, or $5.99 per share for 2024 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Auvelity achieved sales of over $500 million in its third full year of launch, with significant growth contributing to overall revenue [4] - Sunosi generated net product revenue of $36.7 million for Q4, a 40% increase compared to Q4 2024, and $124.8 million for the full year, representing a 32% increase [12] - Symbravo generated $4.1 million in net sales for Q4 and $6.6 million for the full year, following its second full quarter of launch [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Auvelity prescriptions grew by 42% year-over-year, with over 225,000 prescriptions written in Q4 [18] - Payer coverage for Auvelity increased from 75% to 78%, bringing total coverage to 86% of all lives across channels [19] - Symbravo's overall payer coverage is approximately 52% at the start of the year, with 49% in commercial and 57% in government channels [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is advancing a broad CNS pipeline with 5 novel product candidates across 9 high-impact indications, including a planned phase 2/3 trial of AXS-05 in smoking cessation [5][6] - AXS-12's NDA submission for narcolepsy is expected imminently, with significant progress made following positive FDA pre-NDA meeting minutes [6] - The company plans to expand its sales force to approximately 600 representatives to support growth in MDD and potential Alzheimer's disease agitation [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver upon vast opportunities for the growing portfolio of CNS medicines, supported by a scalable commercial platform [4][18] - The company anticipates continued momentum in its commercial business and expects to generate significant value through disciplined investment and performance across its CNS portfolios [104] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with $323 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $315 million at the end of 2024, indicating sufficient funds to support operations into cash flow positivity [17] - Gross and net discounts for Auvelity and Sunosi are expected to increase due to typical Q1 dynamics, with Symbravo's gross net discount remaining elevated during the launch phase [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Implications of the new FDA publication on the one trial policy - Management is assessing the implications and will continue to vet clinical plans with the FDA, indicating potential for supportive evidence in ongoing studies [26][27] Question: Development plan for AXS-17 in epilepsy - The product has been studied in various indications, and the company is closely assessing different types of epilepsy for potential clinical success [31][33] Question: Auvelity payer coverage evolution post-ADA label addition - Existing coverage is expected to apply to the new indication, with efforts ongoing to ensure sufficient coverage and utilization management [35][36] Question: Initial launch cadence for Alzheimer's agitation - The company is preparing for a launch within a quarter post-approval, with metrics to be shared regarding script percentages from the ADA space [39][69] Question: Growth drivers for Sunosi - Growth is driven by both volume and improved access, with steady performance in both OSA and narcolepsy markets [44] Question: DTC campaign progress for Auvelity - The national TV campaign launched in late 2025 has generated positive impacts on new patient starts, with ongoing optimization of media spend [46][48] Question: Coverage expectations for Auvelity at steady state - The goal is to secure access for as many patients as possible, with steady progress in increasing covered lives anticipated [50][52] Question: AXS-12 opportunity in narcolepsy - AXS-12 offers compelling treatment options for patients, with strong data in cataplexy and potential benefits in excessive daytime sleepiness [72][74]

Core Insights - Bond, Inc. has established a phase 1 commercial agreement valued at approximately $250,000 with a major pharmaceutical company, marking a significant step in its revenue growth strategy [2][3] - The agreement covers 5,000 employees and has the potential to expand the contract value beyond $1 million over time, indicating strong growth prospects for Bond's services [3][4] Revenue Growth - The $250,000 agreement contributes to Bond's Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and reflects ongoing traction within large multinational enterprises [5] - Initial enterprise engagements are viewed as foundational relationships that can lead to broader adoption and scalable ARR growth within large organizations [5] Strategic Importance - Executing agreements with global leaders is central to Bond's expansion and revenue growth strategy, aiming to establish a standard for corporate security [6] - The company anticipates that initial coverage will expand to include more employees over time, positioning Bond as a potential global standard for preventative security [6] Versatility and Market Potential - Bond's AI-powered platform is designed to address diverse workforce protection challenges across various employee functions and geographies, enhancing its applicability [7] - The platform's effectiveness, scalability, and affordability contribute to a significant Total Addressable Market (TAM), potentially reaching anyone with a connected device [8] Industry Recognition - Bond has been recognized as a sole supplier of AI-Powered Preventative Personal Security, which streamlines its market entry and reduces competitive tender processes [8] - The company has supported over 1.4 million security service requests, demonstrating its operational effectiveness and growing trust among corporations and public entities [11]

And now I'd like to welcome in Kevin Green who's joining me to help me set up the action today. And so KG, as far as last week, I mean it was a busy week. I I had a guest call it as like markets are tired and I was like I think that I am as well.We have a new week to kick things off of course a full week. We had a holiday short and trading week last week. What are you watching this week. What are your key assessments from last week.>> Yeah, Jenny, I would actually agree. If you kind of look at the technical ...

TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PharmAla Biotech Holdings Inc. (CSE: MDMA)(OTCQB: MDXXF), a biotechnology company focused on the research, development, and manufacturing of LaNeo™ MDMA and novel derivatives of MDMA (MDXX class molecules), announced that it has executed a binding supply agreement with Amsterdam University Medical Center (“Amsterdam UMC”) in the Netherlands for the provision of LaNeo™ 40mg MDMA capsules for use in a proposed clinical trial. Under the terms of the agreement, PharmAl ...