Can China sustain a surge in oncology drug innovation?

The country’s trajectory may get a boost from anticipated results of a Keytruda rival’s U.S. trials.

AI’s ‘massive transition’ in biopharma shapes leadership mindsets — tension and all

The AI revolution is driving tension between new technology and the traditional approaches in drugmaking. Biopharma leaders are trying to navigate those turbulent waters.

A biopharma bolsters patient centricity and trial diversity goals through newly created role

Ardelyx’s newly minted chief patient officer is infusing patient experiences into every element of the business.

FDA’s new mission to speed drug reviews

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary is leading a handful of controversial new initiatives to make the drug review process more streamlined.

3 of the year’s most notable FDA nods

The agency has granted approvals steadily in the first part of the year, including nods for several breakthrough therapies.

Top pharma and biotech conferences in the second half of 2025 and beyond

Mark your calendars for the most important industry conferences in the second half of 2025 and into next year.

Updated June 27, 2025

Biopharma is on edge about NIH funding cuts and what the future holds for research

Proposed cuts to public funding for early science have led to an outcry in scientific circles. For biopharma leaders, the effects are still up in the air.

CDC panel, newly remade by RFK Jr., questions vaccine evidence

New members of the ACIP panel raised questions about the evidence supporting COVID vaccines, and signaled plans to look at other established shots, like those for measles and hepatitis B.

After myriad failures, a new wave of ALS drugs approaches

Several drugmakers anticipate trial results and FDA submissions in 2025 and 2026, including some still overcoming past failures.

How a Big Pharma veteran looks to stand out in biotech as a unique ‘drug hunter’

J&J’s former head of R&D, now CEO of Parabilis Medicines, aims to remain above the biotech fray by taking on unique targets from which others have steered clear.

Biogen scores Cannes Festival win with dark humored campaign

The company’s unique campaign for a rare, terminal illness nabbed millions of views and a spot on the main stage at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity.

Megablockbusters are the holy grail. Here’s how drugmakers are getting there.

More drugs surpassed $10 billion in revenue last year than ever before.

Biotech’s turning point: for every challenge, an opportunity in disguise

As hurdles litter biotech’s future, forward-thinking leaders look for ways to leap to the other side.

Is DTC pharma advertising coming to an end?

A bill introduced in Congress fulfills a Trump administration goal of ending direct pharma ads to patients.

FDA to speed reviews for drugs supporting ‘national interests’

A new pilot program announced by FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary would award vouchers that could cut drug reviews to one or two months — but only for products that meet a special criteria.

How a patient group tackled research diversity for one disease and triggered change for pharma

A policy win by the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research has built momentum for other shifts that could bolster diversity in clinical trials.

Locked in a federal stalemate, states take PBM reform into their own hands

Arkansas is leading the nation in banning PBMs from owning pharmacies, as other states advance new restrictions.

Will pharma finally score a policy win for 340B?

The industry is awaiting guidance on a rebate approach to the contentious drug discount program for hospitals and aiming for tighter oversight.

A day in the life of GSK’s U.S. president

How Maya Martinez-Davis juggles life on the go during a busy year for new drug launches.

Can ‘reputational pull’ save biotech from pharma’s image problem?

A reputation is tough to build and easy to bruise. For drugmakers stuck in reputational limbo, embracing a clear direction and forward-thinking strategy can foster a rosier image.  

Pharma’s wins and losses in the budget bill

Key pharma reforms are up in the air as Republicans battle over their mammoth legislation that includes significant healthcare spending cuts.  

COVID vax restrictions may not hamper uptake — but the market is still under pressure

If insurers stop covering the shots and approvals become more restrictive, the most recent policy shifts could heap more challenges onto pharma’s vaccine space. 

The former Wall Street analyst shaping Novartis’ big-picture strategy

Ronny Gal, chief strategy and growth officer at Novartis, is guiding the company into a new era shaped by science-minded M&A and a slimmed-down pivot.

The biggest obesity deals of 2025 so far

Three pharma giants are snapping up new assets to find stronger footing in the quickly shifting weight loss market.

With ADCs on the rise, drugmakers embrace a new oncology pillar

A slow ascent for more than two decades has given way to a sharp rise in important ADC readouts, marking a milestone era for targeted treatments.