Pharmaceutical Giants Grapple with Pricing, Launch Delays in Europe

Pharmaceutical companies are delaying medication launches in Europe due to U.S. pricing pressures under Trump's policies. Meanwhile, the US FDA has warned against Amgen’s drug due to liver risks, and UK's NICE recommends Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy for heart risk reduction. A Belgian court ruled Poland and Romania must buy Pfizer's COVID vaccines.

Drugmakers are postponing launches of new medicines in Europe, primarily due to pricing pressures stemming from the United States under President Trump's administration. The pharmaceutical industry faces challenges as Trump aims to align U.S. drug prices with those in other countries, emphasizing a 'most-favored-nation' pricing approach.

In the United States, the FDA has issued a warning about liver injuries linked to Amgen's rare disease drug Tavneos, identifying 76 cases with potential links, including seven with severe conditions. The FDA urges prompt discontinuation if liver damage is suspected, noting associated fatalities.

In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has endorsed Novo Nordisk's Wegovy for reducing heart risks, marking a notable approval for a GLP-1 drug, set to be provided via the National Health Service. These developments highlight ongoing regulatory and market maneuvers in the health sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)