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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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The US has announced new tariffs on heavy trucks, steel, aluminum, and various finished goods, citing national security. The move affects European and Mexican industries, with concerns over supply chains and trade relations. The tariffs take effect from October 1, 2025, amid ongoing global trade tensions.
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Pfizer has agreed to acquire Metsera Inc., a biotech developing obesity treatments, for up to $86.25 per share, defeating a rival bid from Novo Nordisk amid a competitive market for weight-loss drugs. The deal follows a bidding war and regulatory concerns.
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Leading companies including Microsoft, JPMorgan, Walmart, and Goldman Sachs are rapidly expanding their AI initiatives. They focus on in-house model development, workforce training, and integrating AI into operations, amid ongoing debates about job impacts and strategic advantages. The story highlights recent investments, partnerships, and workforce transformations as of November 2025.
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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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US employment increased by 119,000 jobs in September, exceeding forecasts, but underlying weaknesses persist. Rising layoffs, hiring decoupling, and economic risks continue to shape the labor market outlook as analysts debate AI's impact and recession signals.
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Novo Nordisk's trials of the drug Rybelsus, containing semaglutide, did not meet their primary goal of delaying cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's patients. While some biological processes improved, the studies showed no effect on cognition. Shares fell sharply amid disappointment, though the drug remains beneficial for diabetes and obesity.
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Recent UK-US trade and pharmaceutical agreements aim to boost UK life sciences but face criticism over increased NHS drug costs and potential impacts on patient access. UK officials highlight investment gains, while critics warn of higher mortality and budget pressures.