Breakthroughs and Legal Battles: Pharma's 2026 Horizon

Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we delve into a series of groundbreaking advancements and strategic movements shaping the future of healthcare.The pharmaceutical and biotech sectors are undergoing significant transformations, driven by scientific breakthroughs, regulatory developments, and strategic shifts. At the forefront is Eli Lilly's impressive lineup of investigational cardiometabolic drugs, spotlighted in Clarivate's "Drugs to Watch in 2026" report. This signals a robust focus on combating cardiometabolic disorders, which have vast implications for global health due to their widespread prevalence. The report also highlights Johnson & Johnson's competitive position in this therapeutic area, indicating a dynamic landscape where innovation is key.In oncology, Jazz Pharmaceuticals is making waves with its bispecific antibody, Ziihera, positioning it as a preferred HER2-targeted therapy for stomach cancer. This development marks a shift towards precision medicine and targeted therapies, which are gradually supplanting traditional treatments like Herceptin. The promising efficacy of Ziihera could revolutionize treatment protocols for HER2-positive gastric cancer patients, enhancing survival outcomes and quality of life.Meanwhile, a legal confrontation has erupted between Bayer and leading COVID-19 vaccine developers such as Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer-BioNTech. Bayer alleges patent infringement on intellectual property developed years prior. This lawsuit underscores the intricate relationship between innovation and intellectual property rights in the pharmaceutical industry, especially poignant in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.Daiichi Sankyo's collaboration with Genesis to commercialize Vanflyta—an acute myeloid leukemia treatment—across 13 European countries highlights strategic movements in oncology. Approved in 2023, this partnership exemplifies Daiichi's commitment to expanding its European market presence and improving patient access to critical cancer therapies.GSK's promising Phase 3 results for its hepatitis B drug candidate represent a potential breakthrough as a "functional cure." Such advancements could redefine management strategies for hepatitis B, a chronic infection affecting millions worldwide. The positive trial outcomes pave the way for FDA submission, showcasing GSK's dedication to addressing unmet medical needs through innovative approaches.Amgen's strategic partnership with Disco Pharmaceuticals illustrates ongoing investment in oncology research. With a $618 million agreement focused on cancer target discovery, Amgen leverages Disco's expertise to fortify its oncology pipeline. This collaboration underscores the significance of cooperative innovation in drug development and enhancing therapeutic options.In gene therapy, Ikarovec and VectorBuilder are advancing eye disease treatments through an innovative partnership. Their $1 billion deal aims to make gene therapies more accessible by enabling administration outside specialized settings—a transformative approach that could democratize advanced treatments.Hope Biosciences' Phase 2 study results offer hope for Parkinson’s disease patients through stem cell therapy improvements in motor function. Despite some data discrepancies, these findings set the stage for Phase 3 trials and underscore the potential of stem cell therapies in neurological disorders.The pharmaceutical industry also grapples with economic challenges as layoffs rise by 16% year-over-year in 2025. Concurrently, despite regulatory hurdles and macroeconomic uncertainties, the FDA approved 55 new treatments and vaccines—a testament to resilience and innovation within biopharma.In regulatory dynamics, GSK's Exdensur received approval in Japan for treating severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis

Support the show