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Recent developments include Eli Lilly's oral drug Orforglipron, which completed phase 3 trials showing comparable results to injections like Mounjaro. Meanwhile, UK patients face rising costs for treatments, and stories highlight personal weight-loss journeys and access challenges amid price hikes and shortages.
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As of late September 2025, new Alzheimer’s drugs like lecanemab and donanemab show promise in slowing disease progression but require early diagnosis and carry risks. The UK’s NHS and Australia face challenges in access and funding, while the UAE highlights the need for improved awareness and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the UK’s rollout of weight-loss drug Mounjaro is underfunded, limiting patient access amid rising demand and GP shortages.
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Major pharmaceutical firms, including MSD and AstraZeneca, have announced significant cuts to UK investments, citing poor government support, undervaluation of medicines, and an uncompetitive environment. These decisions threaten the UK’s ambitions to be a global life sciences hub, with job losses and stalled projects. The government promises to act, but industry concerns persist.
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On October 10, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a deal with AstraZeneca to lower drug prices for Medicaid patients by matching the lowest prices in developed countries. The agreement includes AstraZeneca's commitment to invest $50 billion in U.S. manufacturing by 2030 and participation in the upcoming TrumpRx website, which will sell discounted drugs directly to consumers starting in early 2026.
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US technology companies, including OpenAI, Nvidia, and CoreWeave, plan to announce billions of dollars in UK investments during President Trump's visit. The focus is on expanding AI infrastructure and data centres amid regulatory pressures and government initiatives to support AI growth zones.
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Major pharmaceutical firms have paused or canceled over £2bn in UK investments this year amid concerns over drug pricing policies, US pressure for price parity, and a deteriorating investment climate. Industry warnings highlight risks to future drug development and supply chains.
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On October 1, 2025, the US implemented new tariffs: 100% on branded pharmaceuticals (exempting firms building US plants), 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30% on upholstered furniture, and 25% on heavy trucks. Citing national security, the administration aims to protect domestic manufacturing but risks raising consumer costs and complicating economic policy amid inflation concerns.
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President Trump plans to impose 100% tariffs on pharmaceuticals and continues trade tensions with China, impacting US farmers. Nike reports a slow but ongoing recovery, while critics like Ken Griffin oppose tariffs favoring large corporations. The stories highlight economic strains and political debates in the US, with implications for global trade.
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As of December 2025, the WHO has issued its first guidelines recommending long-term use of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro for obesity treatment, recognizing obesity as a chronic disease. The US government has negotiated significant price cuts for these drugs, expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage to more patients. However, concerns remain about drug accessibility, side effects, and weight regain after stopping treatment.
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Since July, U.S. corporations have reported significant tax savings due to new Republican laws, reducing federal revenue by about a third. Meanwhile, Texas and Hawaii face budget challenges, with debates over tax cuts for high earners and new initiatives for children. Recent political moves highlight ongoing fiscal and ideological conflicts.
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Recent UK-US trade agreements aim to boost the UK pharmaceutical sector through tariff reductions and increased investment. However, critics warn these deals may raise NHS drug costs and impact patient access, with some estimates suggesting thousands of additional deaths annually due to higher drug prices.