Recent developments
Manufacturing and CDMOs
Capacity expanded as Merck began a $3B pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia, while Africa advanced localized production via an mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Kigali, Rwanda. ATMP scale-out gained from the BBG Advanced Therapies and CELLforCURE partnership. Materials advanced via a Japan long-chain RNA deal and new Sonanos excipients; WuXi Biologics reported faster development across 864 projects.
Oncology pipeline updates
In bladder cancer, KEYTRUDA plus Padcev in KEYNOTE‑905 cut event‑free survival events and deaths versus surgery alone, while a ctDNA‑guided adjuvant approach showed Tecentriq survival benefits in IMvigor011. In ovarian cancer, KEYNOTE‑B96 backed FDA priority review, and raludotatug deruxtecan delivered a 50.5% response.
Autoimmune and renal
Autoimmune nephritis advanced as Gazyva gained FDA approval and received a CHMP positive opinion for lupus nephritis. Ophthalmology progress included vamikibart showing significant vision gains in uveitic macular edema. Prostate cancer precision medicine advanced with AKEEGA receiving FDA Priority Review for BRCA‑mutated mCSPC.
Metabolic therapies expand
Metabolic therapies expanded: oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) was approved to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes, and data on oral semaglutide 25 mg and CagriSema will be presented at ObesityWeek 2025. Novo Nordisk broadened its pipeline via the acquisition of Akero Therapeutics and rights to the MASP‑3 inhibitor zaltenibart.
Market and policy
Market and policy signals included INEOS job reductions at its Hull acetyls site tied to energy costs and Chinese imports. Sustainability remained prominent as MSCI AAA ESG rating was earned by WuXi Biologics for the third year. Disclosures at ESMO Congress 2025 point to continuing demand for biologics inputs.