STAT+: Pharmalittle: Novo Nordisk to spend $6 billion to boost production; FDA okays world’s first vaccine for chikungunya
Novo Nordisk announced a plan to spend a whopping $6 billion to expand its manufacturing capacity at its main production site in Denmark.
And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda, so far, is uncertain. We do expect, however, to catch up on our reading, manicure the grounds, and promenade with the official mascots. We may also hope to hold another listening party with Mrs. Pharmalot, and the rotation will likely include this, this, this and this. And what about you? This may be an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors before the winter chill sets in. You might want to get a jump on holiday shopping. Or simply take a moment to plan the rest of your life. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon. …
Novo Nordisk is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to claiming a stake in the burgeoning market for diabetes and obesity therapies, announcing a plan to spend a whopping $6 billion to expand its manufacturing capacity, Pharmaphorum tells us. The drugmaker said the investment at its main production site in Kalundborg, Denmark, will serve “the current and future product portfolio within serious chronic diseases.” In the near term, that means its GLP-1 agonist-based medicines for diabetes and obesity, for which demand is massively outstripping supply, holding back what is already rapid sales growth.
A European Medicines Agency committee recommended that approval of Eli Lilly’s diabetes drug Mounjaro be widened to include obesity, STAT writes. The ruling now goes to the European Commission, which makes the final decision but almost always follows EMA guidance. While Lilly has said Zepbound could be in U.S. pharmacies after Thanksgiving, the rollouts of new or expanded drugs in Europe are typically much slower, as companies have to strike reimbursement and payment plans with countries. With Mounjaro’s approval for obesity, the competition between Lilly and Novo Nordisk, which also makes obesity and weight-loss treatments, will only intensify.
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