AstraZeneca Plc is in advanced discussions with Summit Therapeutics Plc over a licensing partnership that could be valued at as much as $15 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

The proposed deal would give AstraZeneca rights to an experimental lung-cancer medicine being developed by Summit. Payments would be structured as an upfront fee and development and sales milestones spread over several years, the people said.

Talks are continuing and may still fall apart, but an agreement of that size would rank among the largest licensing transactions in the biotechnology sector this year and bolster AstraZeneca’s oncology pipeline. Representatives for both companies declined to comment.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk (Datroway), developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, for adults with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have previously received EGFR-directed therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. This approval follows clinical trial data demonstrating improved progression-free survival (PFS) of 8.2 months versus 4.5 months with chemotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutant, MET-amplified advanced NSCLC, although overall survival (OS) was similar between the treatment and chemotherapy arms. Additional data from the phase 2 OptiTROP-Lung03 trial showed sacituzumab tirumotecan improved both PFS and OS compared to docetaxel in previously treated patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutant nonsquamous NSCLC.

Perioperative nivolumab therapy also showed improved event-free survival (EFS) versus placebo in resectable NSCLC patients regardless of KRAS, KEAP1, and STK11 mutation status, with median EFS of 46.6 months versus 16.9 months. Neoadjuvant therapies including osimertinib alone or combined with chemotherapy, and nivolumab plus chemotherapy, demonstrated significant improvements in pathological response rates and overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone in resectable EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Separately, the FDA granted accelerated approval to Regeneron's Lynozyfic (linvoseltamab), a BCMAxCD3 bispecific antibody, for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after at least four prior therapies, based on response data from the LINKER-MM1 trial. Additionally, the FDA approved the Oncomine Dx Express Test as a companion diagnostic for Sunvozertinib in NSCLC. Other regulatory updates include China's NMPA granting breakthrough therapy designation to sacituzumab tirumotecan plus tagitanlimab for first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC. These approvals and trial results were presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting and related oncology conferences.

On July 1, 2025, Canada announced 83 new appointees to the Order of Canada, including two prominent COVID-19-era health officials, former Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) president Theresa Tam and British Columbia provincial health officer Bonnie Henry. The appointments also included Stephen Lucas, a former deputy health minister recognized for his leadership during the pandemic. However, Lucas had previously faced criticism for authorizing the distribution of date-expired AstraZeneca vaccines, a practice that breached World Health Organization guidelines and involved relabeling expiry dates. The recognition of these officials has sparked controversy, with some commentators highlighting their roles in implementing vaccine mandates and pandemic policies that led to public backlash and job losses. Despite the criticism, the government honored these individuals for their contributions during the health crisis, alongside other recipients from various fields such as writing, medicine, and sports.

AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot is considering moving the British drugmaker’s stock listing from the London Stock Exchange to the United States, according to multiple reports including The Times and Bloomberg. The move is reportedly driven by frustrations with UK regulatory restrictions and weaker stock valuations in London. AstraZeneca, the UK’s most valuable company by market capitalization and a key constituent of the FTSE 100, could become a member of the S&P 500 if it relocates its listing to the US. This potential shift has triggered a 3% rise in AstraZeneca shares and raised concerns among investors and market strategists about the impact on the London equity market, which has already experienced its slowest first half-year for IPO volume since 1997. Analysts warn that AstraZeneca’s exit would be a major blow to the UK’s financial markets and life sciences sector, further challenging London’s position as a global financial hub amid growing competition from US exchanges.

On June 23, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk (brand name Datroway), developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations. This approval applies to patients who have previously received EGFR-directed therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. The decision was supported by data from the TROPION-Lung01 and TROPION-Lung05 trials, which demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of approximately 45%, a notable improvement compared to historical response rates of 10-20% in this patient population.

Datopotamab deruxtecan is the first TROP2-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) approved for this indication, addressing the unmet need for effective treatments after progression on osimertinib and chemotherapy, where immunotherapies have shown limited efficacy. The median overall survival (OS) in related studies for EGFR-mutated NSCLC was comparable between the datopotamab deruxtecan arm and chemotherapy arm, around 16 months. The FDA also removed Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) programs for all currently approved CD19- and BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapies in hematologic malignancies, reducing barriers to access and expectedly doubling their uptake. Additional oncology updates include data from various trials presented at the 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) meeting, the International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML), and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 meeting, highlighting advances in treatments for multiple myeloma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), cervical cancer, renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, mesothelioma, and urothelial cancer. China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved the combination of savolitinib plus osimertinib for EGFR-mutant, MET-amplified NSCLC. Furthermore, ArriVent BioPharma reported interim data showing firmonertinib monotherapy achieving a 16-month median progression-free survival (PFS) in first-line NSCLC patients with EGFR PACC mutations.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have engineered a strain of Escherichia coli bacteria capable of converting plastic waste, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from plastic bottles, into paracetamol (acetaminophen), a widely used painkiller. This pioneering study, published in Nature Chemistry, demonstrates the integration of synthetic organic chemistry and biotechnology to enable live microbes to digest and ferment plastic residues, transforming them into pharmaceutical compounds. The process reportedly converts up to 92% of broken-down plastic into paracetamol within 24 hours. While the method shows promise for sustainable drug production and plastic waste recycling, the scalability and industrial application of this technique remain uncertain. This advancement marks the first documented case of producing paracetamol from plastic waste using genetically modified E. coli, potentially opening new avenues for environmentally friendly pharmaceutical manufacturing and waste management.

Senators Bernie Sanders and Angus King have introduced the End Prescription Drug Ads Now Act, a bill that seeks to ban all direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising across multiple media platforms including television, radio, print, digital, and social media. The legislation aims to prohibit pharmaceutical companies from promoting prescription drugs directly to consumers, addressing concerns that such advertisements can be misleading. The bill has received backing from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is also reportedly considering a broader crackdown on pharmaceutical advertising.

The Trump administration is said to be exploring policies that would make it more difficult and costly for drugmakers to advertise directly to patients, potentially disrupting over $10 billion in annual pharmaceutical advertising spending. This crackdown could have significant implications for major pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanofi. Pharmaceutical advertisements generate more than $5 billion annually for mainstream television networks, and the proposed restrictions could impact legacy media revenues. The United States and New Zealand remain the only countries where direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising is legal, and the proposed measures reflect ongoing efforts to regulate this practice amid concerns about drug affordability and consumer protection.

Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Angus King of Maine have introduced the End Prescription Drug Ads Now Act, a bill that seeks to ban all direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs across multiple media platforms, including television, radio, print, digital, and social media. The legislation aims to prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from promoting their products directly to consumers, a practice that has drawn criticism for potentially misleading the public. The bill has received backing from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The pharmaceutical industry spent approximately $5 billion on television advertising last year. The proposed ban targets major pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanofi. The move is expected to have considerable implications for legacy media outlets that rely heavily on pharmaceutical advertising revenue.

The 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting highlighted several advancements in cancer treatment and research. Interim efficacy results from the DESTINY-Breast09 study showed promising outcomes for first-line trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) combined with pertuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer. Discussions also covered relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and the FDA's March 2025 approval of perioperative durvalumab plus chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), supported by phase 3 NIAGARA trial findings. The FDA granted approval for avutometinib/defactinib in KRAS-mutant recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer and the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation for B7-H3–directed CAR T-cell therapy BCB-276 targeting diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

The FDA's Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) voted in favor of subcutaneous daratumumab for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma but voted against UGN-102 for recurrent low-grade, intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and talazoparib plus enzalutamide for non-HRR–mutant metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved tafasitamab/lenalidomide and tafasitamab monotherapy for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in patients ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), marking the first Chinese approval of a CD19 antibody for this indication. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals received approval from India's Drug Controller General (DCGI) to launch zanubrutinib (BRUKINSA), the first BTK inhibitor approved in India for five B-cell malignancies, co-developed with BeOne Medicines. Additionally, discussions at ASCO addressed the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger populations globally, with early diagnosis and biomarker testing emphasized as critical for treatment planning. Real-world data were noted to complement clinical trial results in urothelial carcinoma management. The meeting also featured presentations on immunotherapy advancements, including antibody-drug conjugates for HER2-positive breast cancer and the role of telisotuzumab vedotin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with c-MET overexpression. The phase 3 IMforte trial demonstrated that frontline maintenance treatment with lurbinectedin plus atezolizumab improved progression-free and overall survival in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) compared to atezolizumab alone. Fellows from across the U.S. convened at the OncLive Fellows Forum to discuss thoracic oncology research and treatment strategies.

AstraZeneca, the U.K.-based pharmaceutical company, has filed a federal lawsuit against Utah Attorney General Derek Brown challenging a new state law enacted in May 2025. The law aims to expand access to discounted prescription drugs by allowing more pharmacies to participate in drug discount programs. AstraZeneca contends that the Utah legislation conflicts with an existing federal program regulating prescription drug prices. The lawsuit represents part of broader state-level efforts to address rising prescription drug costs.

Brazil's Federal Public Ministry (MPF) has closed investigations into road blockades that opposed the election victory of President Lula. Meanwhile, the MPF has opened a new inquiry into the contract between the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. This investigation follows a request from the Public Ministry at the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) to examine the terms of the Fiocruz-AstraZeneca agreement. The inquiry aims to scrutinize the contractual arrangements between the public health institution and the vaccine manufacturer.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd reported a strong financial performance for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, with overall revenue increasing by 13% year-on-year to ₹55,922 million. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rose 20% to ₹7,698 million, while profit after tax (PAT) surged 54% to ₹3,896 million. The company announced an expansion plan worth ₹8,000 crore for the fiscal year, aiming to add 2,000 beds. Suneeta Reddy, a key executive at Apollo Hospitals, highlighted strong structural healthcare demand driven by new assets and insurance growth.

Analysts have revised price targets for Apollo Hospitals shares following the robust quarterly results. Meanwhile, Central Depository Services Ltd. (CDSL) shares surged over 9% on heavy volumes, marking a 25% increase over the past month and raising speculation about a potential return to record highs. Other notable stock movements include Eternal's shares rising 2% amid positive outlooks from Morgan Stanley, Transrail Lighting shares rallying nearly 6%, Bharti Hexacom hitting a new high with a 58% gain since April, Jindal Stainless shares increasing 3% after acquiring a 33.64% stake in a special purpose vehicle with Oyster Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd., and Solar Industries' stock surging 25% over two weeks.

AstraZeneca PLC has agreed to pay approximately $51 million to settle a class action lawsuit in a U.S. court. The lawsuit accused the pharmaceutical company of engaging in antitrust practices by scheming to delay the introduction of a generic version of its schizophrenia drug, Seroquel XR. This alleged conduct resulted in companies paying artificially inflated prices for the medication. The settlement resolves claims that AstraZeneca entered into an unlawful agreement to limit competition for the antipsychotic drug.

AstraZeneca Pharma India has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to import, sell, and distribute Benralizumab (brand name: Fasenra), a 30 mg/ml injection solution. This drug is indicated as an add-on treatment for adult patients with severe asthma, specifically those with relapsing or refractory conditions. Following this approval, AstraZeneca's shares saw an increase. The company also reported its Q4 earnings, showing a 47.7% rise in net profit to ₹58.2 crore from ₹39.4 crore year-on-year (YoY). Revenue increased by 25.4% to ₹480.4 crore from ₹383.2 crore YoY, and EBITDA grew 74.7% to ₹86.3 crore from ₹49.4 crore YoY, with margins improving to 17.96% from 12.89% YoY.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise announced its Q4 results with a 54% increase in net profit to ₹389.6 crore. The hospital group plans to add 4,300 beds over the next three to four years, which it expects will support revenue growth starting fiscal year 2026.

At the 2025 American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference, results from several clinical trials for investigational therapies in pulmonary diseases were presented.

In the FIBRONEER-IPF and FIBRONEER-ILD phase 3 trials, nerandomilast, an oral PDE4B inhibitor, slowed disease progression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) compared to placebo. Both studies met their primary endpoints, with reduced decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) over 52 weeks for nerandomilast 9 mg and 18 mg doses. Adverse event-related discontinuation rates were 14% (18 mg), 11.7% (9 mg), and 10.7% (placebo) in FIBRONEER-IPF, and 10% (18 mg), 8.1% (9 mg), and 10.2% (placebo) in FIBRONEER-ILD. No imbalances in serious adverse events, including vasculitis, depression, suicidality, or drug-induced liver injury, were observed.

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Several U.S. biotech companies are considering relocating early-stage clinical trials for new medicines outside the United States due to concerns about regulatory delays and uncertainty at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Trump administration.

Executives, investors, and consultants report that layoffs, leadership exits, and policy changes at the FDA have prompted firms to explore trial options in regions such as the European Union and Australia. Companies including AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Eli Lilly are among those weighing alternatives.

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AstraZeneca reported its first-quarter 2025 financial results, posting a core earnings per share (EPS) of $2.49, surpassing the estimated $2.26. The company's revenue reached $13.59 billion, slightly below the estimated $13.76 billion. AstraZeneca reiterated its full-year revenue and core EPS guidance. The profit increase was driven by strong sales of its diabetes and cancer medicines.

However, the company also warned of mounting legal challenges in China. Despite beating earnings expectations, AstraZeneca's stock declined on the Stockholm stock exchange, with analysts citing two reasons for the market reaction. Additionally, several other companies, including Modivcare, Civeo, Vicarious Surgical, and Energy Vault, announced schedules for their first-quarter 2025 financial results or earnings conference calls.

Recent studies have highlighted advancements in breast cancer and lung cancer treatments. A retrospective real-world study indicated that sacituzumab govitecan is both safe and effective for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Additionally, a post hoc analysis from the phase 3 NATALEE trial revealed that ribociclib maintains clinical benefits even with dose reductions in HR-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer patients. Further, treatment with imlunestrant plus abemaciclib showed a 43% reduction in the risk of progression or death in patients with ER+/HER2– advanced breast cancer.

In another trial, atirmociclib combined with letrozole demonstrated preliminary antitumor activity in treatment-naive patients with HR+/HER2– metastatic breast cancer. For HER2-mutated solid tumors, patients treated with zongertinib achieved a confirmed overall response rate (cORR) of 30% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 83%. Moreover, frontline treatment with datopotamab deruxtecan plus durvalumab elicited responses across various histologic subtypes in advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In a separate study, the HER2-targeted T-cell engager SAR443216 was found feasible with manageable toxicity in advanced HER2-positive solid tumors. The European Commission has also approved the use of osimertinib in combination with chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations. Other notable advancements include the approval of daratumumab for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and the investigational drug rhenium (186Re) obisbemeda for leptomeningeal metastases in lung cancer patients.

AstraZeneca's experimental drug, AZD0780, has shown promise in significantly reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol. In a Phase IIb clinical trial named PURSUIT, a single oral dose of the drug reduced LDL-C levels for up to one year. This form of cholesterol is typically considered difficult to treat and is associated with serious health risks. The findings from the trial highlight the potential of AZD0780 as a novel oral PCSK9 inhibitor, which could offer new treatment options for patients with high cholesterol levels.

The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued several positive opinions on oncology treatments. These include the approval of durvalumab plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients at high risk of recurrence without EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements, as well as T-DXd for HER2-low or HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer, highlighting the importance of improving HER2 testing capabilities.

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AstraZeneca Plc is in advanced discussions with Summit Therapeutics Plc over a licensing partnership that could be valued at as much as $15 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

The proposed deal would give AstraZeneca rights to an experimental lung-cancer medicine being developed by Summit. Payments would be structured as an upfront fee and development and sales milestones spread over several years, the people said.

Talks are continuing and may still fall apart, but an agreement of that size would rank among the largest licensing transactions in the biotechnology sector this year and bolster AstraZeneca’s oncology pipeline. Representatives for both companies declined to comment.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk (Datroway), developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, for adults with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have previously received EGFR-directed therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. This approval follows clinical trial data demonstrating improved progression-free survival (PFS) of 8.2 months versus 4.5 months with chemotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutant, MET-amplified advanced NSCLC, although overall survival (OS) was similar between the treatment and chemotherapy arms. Additional data from the phase 2 OptiTROP-Lung03 trial showed sacituzumab tirumotecan improved both PFS and OS compared to docetaxel in previously treated patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutant nonsquamous NSCLC.

Perioperative nivolumab therapy also showed improved event-free survival (EFS) versus placebo in resectable NSCLC patients regardless of KRAS, KEAP1, and STK11 mutation status, with median EFS of 46.6 months versus 16.9 months. Neoadjuvant therapies including osimertinib alone or combined with chemotherapy, and nivolumab plus chemotherapy, demonstrated significant improvements in pathological response rates and overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone in resectable EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Separately, the FDA granted accelerated approval to Regeneron's Lynozyfic (linvoseltamab), a BCMAxCD3 bispecific antibody, for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after at least four prior therapies, based on response data from the LINKER-MM1 trial. Additionally, the FDA approved the Oncomine Dx Express Test as a companion diagnostic for Sunvozertinib in NSCLC. Other regulatory updates include China's NMPA granting breakthrough therapy designation to sacituzumab tirumotecan plus tagitanlimab for first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC. These approvals and trial results were presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting and related oncology conferences.

On July 1, 2025, Canada announced 83 new appointees to the Order of Canada, including two prominent COVID-19-era health officials, former Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) president Theresa Tam and British Columbia provincial health officer Bonnie Henry. The appointments also included Stephen Lucas, a former deputy health minister recognized for his leadership during the pandemic. However, Lucas had previously faced criticism for authorizing the distribution of date-expired AstraZeneca vaccines, a practice that breached World Health Organization guidelines and involved relabeling expiry dates. The recognition of these officials has sparked controversy, with some commentators highlighting their roles in implementing vaccine mandates and pandemic policies that led to public backlash and job losses. Despite the criticism, the government honored these individuals for their contributions during the health crisis, alongside other recipients from various fields such as writing, medicine, and sports.

AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot is considering moving the British drugmaker’s stock listing from the London Stock Exchange to the United States, according to multiple reports including The Times and Bloomberg. The move is reportedly driven by frustrations with UK regulatory restrictions and weaker stock valuations in London. AstraZeneca, the UK’s most valuable company by market capitalization and a key constituent of the FTSE 100, could become a member of the S&P 500 if it relocates its listing to the US. This potential shift has triggered a 3% rise in AstraZeneca shares and raised concerns among investors and market strategists about the impact on the London equity market, which has already experienced its slowest first half-year for IPO volume since 1997. Analysts warn that AstraZeneca’s exit would be a major blow to the UK’s financial markets and life sciences sector, further challenging London’s position as a global financial hub amid growing competition from US exchanges.

On June 23, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk (brand name Datroway), developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations. This approval applies to patients who have previously received EGFR-directed therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. The decision was supported by data from the TROPION-Lung01 and TROPION-Lung05 trials, which demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of approximately 45%, a notable improvement compared to historical response rates of 10-20% in this patient population.

Datopotamab deruxtecan is the first TROP2-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) approved for this indication, addressing the unmet need for effective treatments after progression on osimertinib and chemotherapy, where immunotherapies have shown limited efficacy. The median overall survival (OS) in related studies for EGFR-mutated NSCLC was comparable between the datopotamab deruxtecan arm and chemotherapy arm, around 16 months. The FDA also removed Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) programs for all currently approved CD19- and BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapies in hematologic malignancies, reducing barriers to access and expectedly doubling their uptake. Additional oncology updates include data from various trials presented at the 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) meeting, the International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML), and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 meeting, highlighting advances in treatments for multiple myeloma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), cervical cancer, renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, mesothelioma, and urothelial cancer. China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved the combination of savolitinib plus osimertinib for EGFR-mutant, MET-amplified NSCLC. Furthermore, ArriVent BioPharma reported interim data showing firmonertinib monotherapy achieving a 16-month median progression-free survival (PFS) in first-line NSCLC patients with EGFR PACC mutations.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have engineered a strain of Escherichia coli bacteria capable of converting plastic waste, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from plastic bottles, into paracetamol (acetaminophen), a widely used painkiller. This pioneering study, published in Nature Chemistry, demonstrates the integration of synthetic organic chemistry and biotechnology to enable live microbes to digest and ferment plastic residues, transforming them into pharmaceutical compounds. The process reportedly converts up to 92% of broken-down plastic into paracetamol within 24 hours. While the method shows promise for sustainable drug production and plastic waste recycling, the scalability and industrial application of this technique remain uncertain. This advancement marks the first documented case of producing paracetamol from plastic waste using genetically modified E. coli, potentially opening new avenues for environmentally friendly pharmaceutical manufacturing and waste management.

Senators Bernie Sanders and Angus King have introduced the End Prescription Drug Ads Now Act, a bill that seeks to ban all direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising across multiple media platforms including television, radio, print, digital, and social media. The legislation aims to prohibit pharmaceutical companies from promoting prescription drugs directly to consumers, addressing concerns that such advertisements can be misleading. The bill has received backing from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is also reportedly considering a broader crackdown on pharmaceutical advertising.

The Trump administration is said to be exploring policies that would make it more difficult and costly for drugmakers to advertise directly to patients, potentially disrupting over $10 billion in annual pharmaceutical advertising spending. This crackdown could have significant implications for major pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanofi. Pharmaceutical advertisements generate more than $5 billion annually for mainstream television networks, and the proposed restrictions could impact legacy media revenues. The United States and New Zealand remain the only countries where direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising is legal, and the proposed measures reflect ongoing efforts to regulate this practice amid concerns about drug affordability and consumer protection.

Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Angus King of Maine have introduced the End Prescription Drug Ads Now Act, a bill that seeks to ban all direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs across multiple media platforms, including television, radio, print, digital, and social media. The legislation aims to prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from promoting their products directly to consumers, a practice that has drawn criticism for potentially misleading the public. The bill has received backing from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The pharmaceutical industry spent approximately $5 billion on television advertising last year. The proposed ban targets major pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanofi. The move is expected to have considerable implications for legacy media outlets that rely heavily on pharmaceutical advertising revenue.

The 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting highlighted several advancements in cancer treatment and research. Interim efficacy results from the DESTINY-Breast09 study showed promising outcomes for first-line trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) combined with pertuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer. Discussions also covered relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and the FDA's March 2025 approval of perioperative durvalumab plus chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), supported by phase 3 NIAGARA trial findings. The FDA granted approval for avutometinib/defactinib in KRAS-mutant recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer and the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation for B7-H3–directed CAR T-cell therapy BCB-276 targeting diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

The FDA's Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) voted in favor of subcutaneous daratumumab for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma but voted against UGN-102 for recurrent low-grade, intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and talazoparib plus enzalutamide for non-HRR–mutant metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved tafasitamab/lenalidomide and tafasitamab monotherapy for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in patients ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), marking the first Chinese approval of a CD19 antibody for this indication. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals received approval from India's Drug Controller General (DCGI) to launch zanubrutinib (BRUKINSA), the first BTK inhibitor approved in India for five B-cell malignancies, co-developed with BeOne Medicines. Additionally, discussions at ASCO addressed the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger populations globally, with early diagnosis and biomarker testing emphasized as critical for treatment planning. Real-world data were noted to complement clinical trial results in urothelial carcinoma management. The meeting also featured presentations on immunotherapy advancements, including antibody-drug conjugates for HER2-positive breast cancer and the role of telisotuzumab vedotin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with c-MET overexpression. The phase 3 IMforte trial demonstrated that frontline maintenance treatment with lurbinectedin plus atezolizumab improved progression-free and overall survival in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) compared to atezolizumab alone. Fellows from across the U.S. convened at the OncLive Fellows Forum to discuss thoracic oncology research and treatment strategies.

AstraZeneca, the U.K.-based pharmaceutical company, has filed a federal lawsuit against Utah Attorney General Derek Brown challenging a new state law enacted in May 2025. The law aims to expand access to discounted prescription drugs by allowing more pharmacies to participate in drug discount programs. AstraZeneca contends that the Utah legislation conflicts with an existing federal program regulating prescription drug prices. The lawsuit represents part of broader state-level efforts to address rising prescription drug costs.

Brazil's Federal Public Ministry (MPF) has closed investigations into road blockades that opposed the election victory of President Lula. Meanwhile, the MPF has opened a new inquiry into the contract between the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. This investigation follows a request from the Public Ministry at the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) to examine the terms of the Fiocruz-AstraZeneca agreement. The inquiry aims to scrutinize the contractual arrangements between the public health institution and the vaccine manufacturer.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd reported a strong financial performance for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, with overall revenue increasing by 13% year-on-year to ₹55,922 million. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rose 20% to ₹7,698 million, while profit after tax (PAT) surged 54% to ₹3,896 million. The company announced an expansion plan worth ₹8,000 crore for the fiscal year, aiming to add 2,000 beds. Suneeta Reddy, a key executive at Apollo Hospitals, highlighted strong structural healthcare demand driven by new assets and insurance growth.

Analysts have revised price targets for Apollo Hospitals shares following the robust quarterly results. Meanwhile, Central Depository Services Ltd. (CDSL) shares surged over 9% on heavy volumes, marking a 25% increase over the past month and raising speculation about a potential return to record highs. Other notable stock movements include Eternal's shares rising 2% amid positive outlooks from Morgan Stanley, Transrail Lighting shares rallying nearly 6%, Bharti Hexacom hitting a new high with a 58% gain since April, Jindal Stainless shares increasing 3% after acquiring a 33.64% stake in a special purpose vehicle with Oyster Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd., and Solar Industries' stock surging 25% over two weeks.

AstraZeneca PLC has agreed to pay approximately $51 million to settle a class action lawsuit in a U.S. court. The lawsuit accused the pharmaceutical company of engaging in antitrust practices by scheming to delay the introduction of a generic version of its schizophrenia drug, Seroquel XR. This alleged conduct resulted in companies paying artificially inflated prices for the medication. The settlement resolves claims that AstraZeneca entered into an unlawful agreement to limit competition for the antipsychotic drug.

AstraZeneca Pharma India has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to import, sell, and distribute Benralizumab (brand name: Fasenra), a 30 mg/ml injection solution. This drug is indicated as an add-on treatment for adult patients with severe asthma, specifically those with relapsing or refractory conditions. Following this approval, AstraZeneca's shares saw an increase. The company also reported its Q4 earnings, showing a 47.7% rise in net profit to ₹58.2 crore from ₹39.4 crore year-on-year (YoY). Revenue increased by 25.4% to ₹480.4 crore from ₹383.2 crore YoY, and EBITDA grew 74.7% to ₹86.3 crore from ₹49.4 crore YoY, with margins improving to 17.96% from 12.89% YoY.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise announced its Q4 results with a 54% increase in net profit to ₹389.6 crore. The hospital group plans to add 4,300 beds over the next three to four years, which it expects will support revenue growth starting fiscal year 2026.

At the 2025 American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference, results from several clinical trials for investigational therapies in pulmonary diseases were presented.

In the FIBRONEER-IPF and FIBRONEER-ILD phase 3 trials, nerandomilast, an oral PDE4B inhibitor, slowed disease progression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) compared to placebo. Both studies met their primary endpoints, with reduced decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) over 52 weeks for nerandomilast 9 mg and 18 mg doses. Adverse event-related discontinuation rates were 14% (18 mg), 11.7% (9 mg), and 10.7% (placebo) in FIBRONEER-IPF, and 10% (18 mg), 8.1% (9 mg), and 10.2% (placebo) in FIBRONEER-ILD. No imbalances in serious adverse events, including vasculitis, depression, suicidality, or drug-induced liver injury, were observed.

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Several U.S. biotech companies are considering relocating early-stage clinical trials for new medicines outside the United States due to concerns about regulatory delays and uncertainty at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Trump administration.

Executives, investors, and consultants report that layoffs, leadership exits, and policy changes at the FDA have prompted firms to explore trial options in regions such as the European Union and Australia. Companies including AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Eli Lilly are among those weighing alternatives.

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AstraZeneca reported its first-quarter 2025 financial results, posting a core earnings per share (EPS) of $2.49, surpassing the estimated $2.26. The company's revenue reached $13.59 billion, slightly below the estimated $13.76 billion. AstraZeneca reiterated its full-year revenue and core EPS guidance. The profit increase was driven by strong sales of its diabetes and cancer medicines.

However, the company also warned of mounting legal challenges in China. Despite beating earnings expectations, AstraZeneca's stock declined on the Stockholm stock exchange, with analysts citing two reasons for the market reaction. Additionally, several other companies, including Modivcare, Civeo, Vicarious Surgical, and Energy Vault, announced schedules for their first-quarter 2025 financial results or earnings conference calls.

Recent studies have highlighted advancements in breast cancer and lung cancer treatments. A retrospective real-world study indicated that sacituzumab govitecan is both safe and effective for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Additionally, a post hoc analysis from the phase 3 NATALEE trial revealed that ribociclib maintains clinical benefits even with dose reductions in HR-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer patients. Further, treatment with imlunestrant plus abemaciclib showed a 43% reduction in the risk of progression or death in patients with ER+/HER2– advanced breast cancer.

In another trial, atirmociclib combined with letrozole demonstrated preliminary antitumor activity in treatment-naive patients with HR+/HER2– metastatic breast cancer. For HER2-mutated solid tumors, patients treated with zongertinib achieved a confirmed overall response rate (cORR) of 30% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 83%. Moreover, frontline treatment with datopotamab deruxtecan plus durvalumab elicited responses across various histologic subtypes in advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In a separate study, the HER2-targeted T-cell engager SAR443216 was found feasible with manageable toxicity in advanced HER2-positive solid tumors. The European Commission has also approved the use of osimertinib in combination with chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations. Other notable advancements include the approval of daratumumab for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and the investigational drug rhenium (186Re) obisbemeda for leptomeningeal metastases in lung cancer patients.

AstraZeneca's experimental drug, AZD0780, has shown promise in significantly reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol. In a Phase IIb clinical trial named PURSUIT, a single oral dose of the drug reduced LDL-C levels for up to one year. This form of cholesterol is typically considered difficult to treat and is associated with serious health risks. The findings from the trial highlight the potential of AZD0780 as a novel oral PCSK9 inhibitor, which could offer new treatment options for patients with high cholesterol levels.

The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued several positive opinions on oncology treatments. These include the approval of durvalumab plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients at high risk of recurrence without EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements, as well as T-DXd for HER2-low or HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer, highlighting the importance of improving HER2 testing capabilities.

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