Key Developments in Health: Major Coverage Milestones and Market Shifts

This content summarizes significant health news, including the impact of the Affordable Care Act, new weight-loss drugs, the efficacy of experimental treatments, and major legal settlements. Highlights include the coverage of 49 million Americans under the ACA and the expected introduction of 16 weight-loss drugs by 2029.

Health coverage has expanded significantly in the U.S., with 49.4 million Americans signing up for ACA plans since 2014, peaking at 20.8 million enrolled in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

A new report from Morningstar and Pitchbook suggests the weight-loss treatment market will see 16 new drugs by 2029. These additions could propel market value to $200 billion by 2031, with $70 billion from GLP-1 treatments.

Novo Nordisk's obesity pill and other experimental drugs like GSK's herpes vaccine have shown varying levels of efficacy in trials, while legal actions and settlements continue to shape the pharmaceutical landscape, such as Baltimore's opioid lawsuit settlements totaling $402.5 million.

(With inputs from agencies.)